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The  King  and  His  Kingdom 


Constructive  Studies  in 
The  Life  of  Christ  for 
Classes    and    Private    Use 


BY       ./ 
ROBERT  WELLS  VEACH 


He  who  would  have  the  real  passion  for  the  kingdom  must 
first  have  the  real  passion  for  the  King. 


New  York  Chicago  Toronto 

Fleming  H.   Revell    Company 


London 


AND 


Edinburgh 


Copyright,   1908,  by 
FLEMING  H.  REVELL  COMPANY 


Third  Edition 


New  York:  158  Fifth  Avenue 
Chicago:  80  Wabash  Avenue 
Toronto:  25  Richmond  Street,  W. 
London:  21  Paternoster  Square 
Edinburgh:      100    Princes    Street 


«*That    I    May    Know    Him" 

"  I  claim  the  right  of  knowing  whom  I  serve." 

—  Oliver  Wendell  Holmes  (^on  Manhood), 

"In  the  midst  of  you  standeth  One  whom  ye  know  not." 

—John  the  Baptist  {John  i  :  26). 

"  Yea,  verily,  and  I  count  all  things  to  be  loss  for  the  excellency 
of  the  knowledge  of  Christ  Jesus  my  Lord,  that  I  may  know  Him 
and  the  power  of  His  resurrection,  and  the  fellowship  of  His 
suffering." 

—Si.  Paul  {Fhil.  3  :  8-16). 

"  The  heroism,  the  nobility,  the  pure  and  stainless  enthusiasm  at 
the  root  of  his  life  come,  beyond  question,  from  Christ.  There 
must  therefore  be  a  Christ ;  and  it  is  worth  while  to  have  such  a 
helper  and  redeemer  as  He  here  reveals  Himself  in  this  wonderful 
disciple." 

— Henry  M.  Stanley  {on  David  Livingstone). 


A  FOREWORD 

The  Studies 

These  studies  are  the  result  of  considerable  experience 
with  a  young  men's  Bible  class  in  Westminster  College,  to- 
gether with  seven  years  of  practical  teaching,  of  tired  and 
busy  men  and  women,  in  the  Young  Men's  and  Young 
Women's  Christian  Associations  of  Rochester,  New  York. 

As  at  present  outlined,  together  with  the  Chart,  they 
have  been  tested  by  the  author  before  a  large  class  of  col- 
lege students  at  the  Young  Women's  Conference  at  Cas- 
cade, Colorado,  in  1907,  and  by  Miss  Moxcey  and  Miss 
Erhardt  before  classes  in  the  Associations  of  Detroit  and 
Rochester.  We  cannot  too  much  emphasize  the  great 
value  of  the  Chart.  Each  lesson  aims  to  be  simple,  prac- 
tical and  constructive.  Any  one  can  master  them  who 
will  devote  but  twenty  minutes  a  day  to  prayerful  study. 

If  a  larger  course  is  desired,  the  material  in  lessons  6,  9, 
15,  21  and  22  can  easily  be  divided.  If  a  shorter  course 
is  imperative,  lessons  i  and  2,  4  and  5,  24  and  25,  can  be 
combined,  lesson  14  omitted,  and  lessons  8  and  11  made 
introductory  to  the  lessons  that  follow.  This  arrangement 
provides  for  a  course  of  32,  26,  or  20  lessons.  If  possible 
more  than  the  allotted  time  should  be  given  to  the  study 
of  Passion  Week. 

A  complete  system  of  Bible  references  will  be  found  on 
the  Chart. 

"  That  I  May  Know  Him  " 
They  are  put  forth  out  of  a  growing  passion  to  help 
7 


The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

young  men  and  women  with  limited  time  to  know  Jesus  as 
His  disciples  knew  Him.  To  them,  He  was  real  and 
vital,  "  the  strong  Son  of  God." 

As  they  ever  went  out  to  battle  for  His  Kingdom,  they 
did  but  live  again  that  life :  its  friendships  and  its  ene- 
mies ;  its  crowding  throngs ;  its  utter  loneUness  ;  its  hours 
of  rest  and  days  of  unremitting  toil  j  its  fierce  invective 
and  its  tender  wooing  ]  its  tragic  passion  and  its  one  eter- 
nal triumph. 

Deeply  they  felt  within  them  the  thrill  and  the  throb  of 
His  titanic  struggle  for  the  Kingdom  of  God  and  its 
righteousness  against  the  crass  materialism,  the  blind  and 
unbelieving  ecclesiasticism  of  His  age  and  the  selfish  lust 
of  human  hearts. 

O  it  was  all  so  real  to  them  !  No  wonder  they  loved 
Him  with  a  passion,  passing  wonderful !  They  were  glad 
they  had  followed  Him  through  doubt  and  death  to  a  faith 
that  knew  no  dimming. 

We  too  can  so  know  Him  if  we  will.  This  then  is  the 
key  thought  running  throughout  all  our  studies  :  "That 
I  may  know  Him,"  the  King  and  His  Kingdom. 

The  King 
The  word  King  is  used  in  a  free  sense  as  interchange- 
able with  all  other  titles  of  Jesus.  It  is  selected  as  a  key 
word  to  aid  in  mastering  the  outline  and  also  to  connote 
the  ideas  of  the  Messiahship  of  Jesus,  the  Kingdom  of 
God,  and  the  arisen  Christ  as  personal  Lord  and  Master. 

The  Kingdom 
*'  There  is  recognized  in  all  Scripture  a  natural  and 
universal  kingdom  or  dominion  of  God,  embracing  all  ob- 
jects, persons  and  events,  all  doings  of  individuals  and  na- 

8 


A  Foreword 

tions  which  is  the  basis  on  which  a  moral  and  spiritual 
kingdom  is  built.  Nothing  is  plainer  than  that,  in  His 
own  way,  Jesus  is  not  simply  the  Founder  of  this  kingdom, 
but  it  is  His  kingdom  as  well  as  the  Father's  and  He  is 
Lord  and  King  over  it.  But  the  connection  is  more  inti- 
mate than  even  this ;  Jesus  is  not  only  the  Founder  and 
Lord  of  the  new  kingdom  but  is  Himself  the  vital  germ  of 
it — the  living  embodiment  and  representative  of  its  prin- 
ciples. It  is  through  faith  in  Him,  surrender  to  Him, 
keeping  His  commandments,  which  is  synonymous  with 
doing  the  will  of  the  Father,  through  union  with  Him  as 
the  branches  and  the  vine,  that  the  kingdom  is  consti- 
tuted."— Prof.Ja7nes  Orr,  in  Hastings'  Bible  Dictionary. 
Vol.  4,  page  844  ff. 

*'  What  is  the  essential  meaning  of  the  Kingdom  of 
God  ?  Is  it  not  the  asserted  and  realized  sovereignty  of 
God,  divine  influence  and  divine  power  felt  as  energizing 
in  the  souls  of  men?  But  what  again  is  that  but  the 
apostolic  doctrine  of  the  Holy  Spirit  ?  And  if  we  further 
ask  at  what  point  in  history  did  a  new  access  of  this  divine 
power  and  energy  enter  into  the  world,  shall  we  not  say 
from  the  day  of  Pentecost  onwards  ?  We  still  pray  Thy 
Kingdom  Come.  There  has  been  and  still  is  a  real 
coming;  and  yet  in  its  plenitude  it  is  still  far  off." 
— Prof.  Wm.  Sanday,  Life  of  Christ,  in  Recent  Re- 
search, p.  11^. 

Some  Suggestions 
I  have  often  been  asked  :  *<  What  do  you  recommend 
for  private  devotional  study  ?  All  these  outlines  are  for 
class  room  use."  The  Bible  is  better  than  anything  that 
was  ever  said  about  it.  The  best  way  to  study  devotionally 
is  to  study  devotedly  and  constructively ;  the  incense  of 

9 


The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

true  devotion  must  ever  arise  from  the  sacrifice  that  is  laid 
upon  the  altar. 

For  general  use  I  would  make  the  following  suggestions : 

Do  the  work  of  each  day  in  its  day.  Read  at  least  the 
assigned  Scripture. 

Remember  the  Bible  is  its  own  best  teacher.  Let  it  in- 
terpret itself. 

Keep  a  note-book.  Record  thoughts  and  difficult  ques- 
tions. 

Do  not  be  afraid  of  your  doubts.  Give  the  Bible  a  fair 
chance. 

Cultivate  a  reverent  imagination.  The  study  of  the 
Bible  demands  it. 

Begin  with  prayer,  continue  in  the  spirit  of  prayer  and 
end  with  prayer. 

Remember  that  "  Increasing  knowledge  of  Jesus  requires 
increasing  imitation  of  Jesus." — Speer, 


lo 


CONTENTS 


Study  I. 
Study  II. 


INTRODUCTION 

The  Portrait  of  the  King  : 
Records 


Our  Gospel 


The  Homeland  of  the  King  :     Some  Facts 
of  Geography  and  History         .         . 


17 


26 


Part  I 

THE  THIRTY  YEARS  OF  QUIET  PREPARATION 

From  the  Birth  to  the  advent  of  John  the  Baptist. 
Scene — In  Bethlehem  and  Egypt  but  mostly  in  Galilee. 
Time — From  b.  c,  5  to  Passover  Season,  A.  D.  26. 


Study  III.       The   Advent    of  the    King   and  Thirty 
Years  of  Quiet  Preparation 


33 


Part  II 

THE  YEAR  OF  SPECIAL  PREPARATION 

From  the  Baptism  to  the  first  public  appearance  in  Jeru- 
salem. 

Scene — Along  the  Jordan  and  in  Galilee. 

Time — From  shortly  after  the  Passover  A.  D.  26  to  Pass- 
over A.  D.  27. 


Study  IV. 
Study  V. 


The  Herald  of  the  King— John  the  Baptist       37 


The  Anointing  of  the  King — The  Bap- 
tism and  Temptation.     The  Early  Dis- 
ciples and  Miracle  at  Cana        .         . 
II 


4* 


Contents 


Part  III 

THE  YEAR  OF  EXTERNAL  DEVELOPMENT  AND 
GREAT  POPULARITY 

From  the  first  public  appearance  in  Jerusalem  to  the  feed- 
ing of  the  five  thousand. 
Scene — Partly   in     Jerusalem,     Judea    and    Samaria    but 

mostly  in    Galilee, 
Time — From  Passover  A.  D.  27  to  Passover  A.  D,  28. 

Division  I. — The  annouficemefit  of  the  Kingdom 
and  its  effect  upon  the  religious  rulers  and 
people. 

Study  VL  The  Special  Announcement  of  the  King- 
dom      ......       47 

a.  In  Judea  at  Jerusalem.     To  Nicodemus 

and  the  rulers, 

b.  In   Samaria  at  Sychar,     To  the  vi^oman 

at  the  well  and  the  villagers. 

c.  In   Galilee  at  Nazareth.      To  His  towns- 

men. 

Study  VIL  The  General  Announcement  of  the  King- 
dom and  its  EiFect     .  .  .  -53 

a.  Throughout  Galilee,    The  first  Missionary 

tour. 

b.  In    Capernaum.     The  paralytic,  the  call 

of  Matthew,  etc. 

c.  In  Jerusalem,     At  the  pool  of  Bethesda, 

Division  II. — The  organization  of  the  Kingdom, 
the  evangelization  of  Galilee  and  the  Apos- 
tles^ first  lessons. 

Study  VIIL    The    Nucleus    of   the    Kingdom — The 

Selection  of  the  Twelve  Apostles         .       60 

Study  IX.  The  Principles  of  the  Kingdom  :  Teach- 
ing by  Precept — The  Sermon  on  the 
Mount  .  .  ...       65 

Study  X.  Living  the  Life  of  the  Kingdom — Teach- 
ing by  Example.  The  Second  Mis- 
sionary Tour  .....        73 

Study  XI.       Illustrating  the  Kingdom  :     Teaching  by 

Parables — The  Parables  by  the  Sea      .       ^^ 
12 


Contents 

JDlvision  III. — The  King  precipitates  a  crisis  at 
Capernaum. 

Study  XII.  The  Passion  for  the  Kingdom  and  the 
Approaching  Crisis.  The  Third  Mis- 
sionary Tour.  The  Twelve  Sent 
Out,  and  Death  of  the  Baptist  .        8o 

Study  XIII.  The  Heart  of  the  Kingdom  and  the 
Crisis  at  Capernaum.  The  Feeding 
of  Five  Thousand.  The  Discourses 
on  the  Bread  of  Life,  and  on  Eating 
with  Unwashen  Hands   .         .         .85 

Study  XIV.       Review  and  Summary        •         •         •91 

Part  IV 

THE  YEAR  OF  INTERNAL  DEVELOPMENT  AND 
GROWING  HOSTILITY 

From  the  retirement  into  northern  Galilee  to  the  anointing 

at  Bethany. 
Scene — Galilee,  Perea,  Judea  and  Jerusalem. 
Time — From  the  Passover  A.  D.  28  to  Passover  A.  D.  29. 

Division  I. — The  King  retires  with  the  Twelve  into 
northern  Galilee  where  He  deepens  the  Apos- 
tles' faith  and  reveals  His  plan  for  attaining 
His  Kingdom. 

Study  XV.  The  Corner-stone  of  the  Kingdom  and 
the  Vision  of  its  Ultimate  Triumph. 
The  Confession  of  Peter.  The 
Shadow  of  Calvary.  The  Trans- 
figuration      .  .  .  •  •        93 

Division  II. — The  King  leaves  Galilee  for  good — 
evangelizes  Judea  and  Perea,  and  appeals  in 
vain  to  Jerusalem  by  a  deeper  revelation  of 
His  true  kingship. 

Study  XVI.  The  King  Sends  Out  the  Seventy. 
He  Makes  His  Third  Appeal  to 
Jerusalem    at    the   Feast  ot    Taber- 

13 


Contents 


Study  XVII. 


Study  XVIII. 


nacles,  and  is  Driven  from  the  City. 
The  Living  Fountain.  The  Light 
of  the  World.  The  Spiritual 
Emancipator.  The  Great  "  I  Am  "       98 

The  King  Retires  to  Perea,  Teaches 
Many  Concerning  the  Kingdom  and 
Makes  His  Fourth  Appeal  to  Jeru- 
salem at  the  Feast  of  Dedication, 
and  is  Again  Driven  from  the  City. 
A  Lesson  on  Prayer.  The  Man 
Born  Blind.  The  Good  Shepherd. 
The  Son  of  God  .         .         .     104 

The  King  Again  Retires  to  Perea, 
Where  He  Further  Illustrates  the 
Kingdom  by  Many  Parables.  The 
Great  Supper.  The  Lost  Sheep. 
The  Prodigal  Son.  Dives  and 
Lazarus,  etc.        .         .         .         .108 


Division  III. — The  King  precipitates  the  crisis  at 
Jerusalem. 

Study  XIX.  The  King  Still  Further  Reveals  the 
Deeper  Meaning  of  the  Kingdom 
and  Makes  a  Sublime  Revelation  of 
Himself  at  the  Raising  of  Lazarus. 
The  Coming  of  the  Kingdom. 
Little  Children.  The  Rich  Young 
Ruler.  The  Resurrection  and  the 
Life.     The  Death  Council    .         .Ill 

Study  XX.  The  King  Goes  to  Jerusalem  to  Claim 
His  Kingdom  and  is  Anointed  at 
Bethany.  The  Shadow  of  the 
Cross.  The  Ambition  of  James 
and  John.  The  Conversion  of 
Zaccheus.  The  Anointing  by 
Mary 115 

14 


Contents 
Part  V 

PASSION   WEEK   AND    THE    MESSIANIC    CRISIS 
AT  JERUSALEM 

From   the  triumphal  entry  to  the  placing  of  the  guard  at 

the  tomb. 
Scene — In  and  about  Jerusalem. 
Time — Passover  A.  D.  29  from  March  12th  to  19th. 

Study  XXI.  The  Triumphal  Entry  of  the  King  and 
Open  Conflict  with  the  Rulers; 
Discussions,  Woes,  Warnings,  Par- 
ables and  Prophecies     .         .         .119 

Study  XXII.  The  Real  Presence  of  the  King.  The 
Upper  Room.  The  Highest  Self- 
Revelation  of  Jesus.  The  Way, 
the  Truth  and  the  Life.  The  True 
Vine.     The  Blessed  Comforter      .      125 

Study  XXIII.  The  King  Receives  a  Cross  for  a 
Crown.  From  Gcthsemanc  to  Cal- 
vary. The  Agony.  The  Arrest. 
The  Trial.  The  Crucifixion,  The 
Watch  at  the  Tomb  .  .     133 


Part  VI 

THE  RESURRECTION  AND  THE  CORONATION 
OF  THE  KING 

From  the  Resurrection  to  the  Ascension  and  the  Day  of 

Pentecost. 
Scene — Mostly  in  and  about  Jerusalem  but  partly  in  Galilee. 
Time — During  the  fifty  days  after  the  Passover  A.  D.  29. 

Study  XXIV.  The  Resurrection.  The  King  is  Risen. 
The  First  Day.  The  Evidence 
Considered  .  .  .  •      ^37 

Study  XXV.  The  Forty  Days.  The  Eternal  Cor- 
onation and  the  Coming  of  the 
Kingdom.  By  the  Sea  of  Galilee. 
The  Ascension.  The  Day  of 
Pentecost    .... 

Study  XXVI.     Review,  Summary  and  Conclusion 


144 
H7 


15 


STUDY  I 

THE  PORTRAIT  OF  THE  KING:     OUR  GOSPEL 
RECORDS 

(  The  first  two  lessons  are  to  be  read  carefully.') 

First  Day.     The  Oral  Record. 

To-day  we  write  down  everything,  not  so  in  the  days  of 
Jesus.  "Commit  nothing  to  writing  "  was  the  maxim  of 
the  Rabbi.  By  constant  repetition  they  never  forgot. 
Josephus,  a  Jewish  historian,  says,  "  From  our  youth  we 
learn  the  laws  and  have  them,  as  it  were,  engraved  on  our 
hearts."  The  early  Christian  disciples  were  taught  in  the 
same  way  (2  Tim.  3  :  14-17). 

The  disciple  who  forgot  or  took  away  or  dared  to  add 
anything  was  guilty  of  grave  sin  (Rev.  22  :  18,  19). 

A  Master  with  a  new  message,  the  apostles,  aided  by 
the  Holy  Spirit  (John  14 :  26),  gathered  the  sayings  of 
Jesus  together  and  grouping  them  around  the  main  inci- 
dents in  His  life,  formed  a  trustworthy  oral  record.  Long 
afterwards,  John  testified  to  its  truthfulness  (John  21  :  24, 

25). 

This  they  guarded  from  error  of  any  kind  (i  Tim. 
6 :  20). 

Second  Day.  The  Written  Record.  {Read  Luke 
1 : 1-4.) 
O  the  rapturous  story  !  How  they  loved  it !  Persecu- 
tion only  fed  their  passion.  Far  and  wide  they  spread  the 
good  news.  Soon  it  passed  beyond  the  reach  of  trained 
disciples. 

17 


Study  I  The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

1.  This  is  the  first  reason  for  a  written  Gospel :  that 
the  world,  for  all  time,  might  have  a  true  record  of  the  life 
of  Jesus  Christ. 

Theophilus  was  probably  some  official  seeking  trust- 
worthy information.  What  is  the  value  of  the  words, 
"eye-witnesses,"  "ministers,"  and  "accurately"  in 
verses  2  and  3  ? 

2.  But  there  was  a  deeper  reason  for  writing  the  story 
of  Jesus.  If  only  men  could  know  Him  as  they  knew 
Him,  they,  too,  would  believe  on  their  Lord.  (John 
20:  31.) 

Third  Day.     Matthew — The  Jewish  Gospel. 

Matthew,  a  tax  collector,  a  publican,  and  an  apostle  of 
Jesus.     Of  his  later  work  we  know  little. 

1.  Two  stars  shine  in  his  crown. 

(i)     He  made  a  feast  in  honour  of  his  new-found 

Lord  (Luke  5  :  27-30). 
(2)     He  wrote  his  Gospel  that  he  might  convince 

his  nation. 

2.  Originally  written  in  Hebrew  about  the  year 
50  A.  D.,  it  contained  mostly  the  sayings  of  Jesus,  topic- 
ally arranged  and  was  known  as  the  "  logia  "  or  sayings. 

The  historian  Eusebius  who  lived  in  Csesarea  about 
325  A.  D.  quotes  largely  in  Book  3,  chapter  39,  from 
Papaias,  bishop  of  Hierapolis,  who  lived  about  100  to 
140  A.  D.  He  says,  "Matthew  wrote  the  oracles  in  the 
Hebrew  language  and  everybody  interpreted  them  as  he 
was  able." 

3.  It  was  translated  into  Greek  about  the  year  70  a,  d., 
and  was  probably  built  into  the  chronological  order  of 
Mark's  Gospel.  Matthew  gives  many  reasons  why  the 
Jews  should  believe  in  Jesus. 

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The  Portrait  of  the  King  Study  I 

(i)  He  is  the  blood  of  David  and  Abraham. 
Chapter  i — ff, 

(2)  He  was  the  fulfillment  of  prophecy  (Matt. 
i:  23;  11:  6,  15,  17,  18,  23,  and  many 
others). 

(3)  He  came  to  establish  the  Messianic  Kingdom 
(Matt.  4:  17-23).  The  phrase  "Kingdom 
of  Heaven "  is  used  thirty-two  times.  The 
"Kingdom  of  God,"  four  times. 

(4)  He  came  to  fulfill  the  law  (Matt.  5:17,  18, 
and  23  :  1-3). 

(5)  He  was  born  their  King  (Matt.  2  :  2).  En- 
tered Jerusalem  as  their  long-promised  King 
(21  :  24,  25),  and  died  claiming  to  be  their 
King  (27:  II,  29,  37,  42). 

"Of  course,  Christ's  sayings  contained  a  wider  and 
freer  spirit,  but  the  Jewish  Christian  Church  may  well  have 
failed  to  see  the  ultimate  goal." — Allerij  International 
Critical  Commentary. 

Plan  of  the  Gospel. 

Chaps.     1-2.       Genealogy  and  birth  of  the  King. 

"       3-4.       Special  preparation  of  the  King  for  His 

Kingdom. 
"       5-15-     The  nature  of  the  Kingdom  is  set  forth, 
the  apostles  selected  and  Galilee  prepared 
for  the  coming  of  the  Kingdom. 
"      16-20.     The  real  nature  and  purpose  of  the  King 

is  revealed. 
**  21-28.  Jesus  offers  Himself  to  His  own  people  as 
their  King  and  is  rejected.  He  tells  them 
that  they  have  lost  their  supreme  oppor- 
tunity. The  Kingdom  has  moved  out  to 
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Study  I  The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

embrace  the  Gentiles.  It  is  too  late. 
They  are  the  foohsh  virgins.  The  result 
is  the  cross,  and  the  logical  conclusion  of 
the  Gospel  is,  "Go  ye,  therefore,  and  teach 
all  nations"  (Matt.  28  :  19,  20). 

Fourth  Day.     Mark — The  Roman  Gospel. 

John  Mark,  cousin  of  Barnabas  (Gal.  4 :  10),  close 
friend  of  Peter  (i  Peter  5  :  13),  and  early  disciple  of  Jesus 
(Acts  12  :  12,  25).  Weak  at  first  (Acts  15  :  37-41)  he 
became  a  very  useful  worker  (2  Tim.  4:  11).  He  la- 
boured at  times  both  with  Paul  and  with  Peter.  His  Gos- 
pel is  supposed  to  represent  Peter's  portrait  of  our  Lord. 

Eusebius  again  quotes  Papaias  (Book  3,  chapter  39), 
as  saying,  "  Mark  became  interpreter  of  Peter,  wrote  down 
accurately,  though  not  in  order,  whatsoever  of  the  things 
said  or  done  by  Christ.  Mark  committed  no  error  while 
he  thus  wrote  some  things  as  he  remembered  them.  For 
he  was  careful  of  one  thing,  not  to  omit  any  of  the  things 
which  he  had  heard  and  not  to  state  any  of  them  falsely." 
"  Tradition  is  consistent  in  regard  to  this  dependence  of 
Mark  on  Peter.  Moreover,  it  bears  evident  marks  of  the 
eye  of  witness  in  its  vividness"  (^Gould in  International 
Critical  Commentary).  This  is  strong  evidence  for  a 
trustworthy  Gospel.  Mark  wrote  his  Gospel  in  Greek  and 
very  probably  from  Rome,  just  before  or  after  the  final 
destruction  of  Jerusalem  in  70  a.  d. 

The  Roman  loved  power.  Mark  portrays  Jesus  as 
the  kingly  Son  of  God  with  power.  Read  Mark  1:1, 
14-34;  8:  27-38;  14:  60-62;  16:15-20.  With  a  few 
exceptions  the  general  structure  is  similar  to  that  of  Mat- 
thew. Short,  vivid,  full  of  action.  There  is  no  intro- 
duction, no  long  discourses,  and  only  four  parables. 

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The  Portrait  of  the  King  Study  I 

Eighteen  miracles  set  forth  the  power  of  Jesus,  but  it  is 
a  power  that  turns  from  pubhc  applause  and  purple  robes 
and  lays  itself  down  in  behalf  of  others.  The  instrument 
of  Christ's  torture  is  made  to  transcend,  in  glory,  the  sceptre 
of  Caesar  !  "  Claiming  to  be  the  divinely  appointed  King 
of  men,  as  such,  He  demands  obedience  and  finds  great- 
ness in  service.  His  own  road  to  Kingship  is  repudiation 
and  death.  This  absolute  efifacement  is,  moreover,  the 
principle  of  the  Kingdom  and  required  of  all  its  mem- 
bers."—  Gould,  International  Critical  Commentary. 

Fifth  Day.     Luke — The  Universal  Gospel. 

Luke,  author  of  the  Acts,  is  also  author  of  the  third 
Gospel. 

"  This  position  is  so  generally  admitted  by  critics  of  all 
schools  that  it  need  not  be  discussed.  It  is  also  becoming 
more  generally  admitted  that  the  old  view  of  the  purpose 
of  the  Gospel  and  Acts  is  not  far  off  the  truth.  It  was 
Luke's  intention  to  write  history  and  not  apologetical 
treatise.  To  show  all  Christians  on  how  firm  a  basis  of 
fact  their  belief  is  founded "  (/y«;//;//<fr,  International 
Critical  Com?nentary ,  Section  5).  Very  recently,  Har- 
nack,  the  great  German  scholar,  has  affirmed  the  Lucan 
authorship  of  the  Acts  and  the  third  Gospel,  attested  their 
genuineness  and  assigned  the  date  of  composition  of  the 
latter  to  somewhere  between  73  and  90  a.  d.  {Lucas,  Der 
Artz). 

Plan  of  the  Gospel. 

Chaps.     1-2.         The  infancy  and  early  life. 

"  3-9:17.  The  year  of  special  preparation  and 
the  year  of  external  development  in 
Galilee. 

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Study  I  The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

Chaps.  9 :  18-23.  The  year  of  internal  development  and 
growing  hostility  with  its  tragic  end. 
"         24.  The  fact  and  evidences  of  the  resurrec- 

tion. 

Luke  alone  records  the  Ascension  : 

The  first  division  corresponds  closely  to  Matthew  in 
thought  but  differs  in  material  used.  Determine  the  differ- 
ences by  consulting  the  Chart.  The  second  division  cor- 
responds closely  in  plan  and  material  to  Matthew  and 
Mark.  The  third  records  the  long  journey  to  Jerusalem 
and  from  9:51  on,  contains  material  entirely  peculiar  to 
Luke.  Its  main  thought  and  atmosphere  is  here  the  same 
as  the  fourth  Gospel.     Consult  the  Chart  on  these  points. 

Some  characteristics  of  Luke' s  Gospel : 

1.  We  cannot  but  feel  that  Luke  was  a  man  of  scholar- 
ship and  culture.  As  a  Greek  he  had  the  Greek  ideal  of 
a  perfect  man  and  so  presents  Christ  to  us.  (Read  Luke 
a:  40-52.) 

2.  He  loved  the  art  forms  of  his  nation.  He  alone 
records  those  rich  hymns  of  the  Church  :  The  Magnificat, 
or  Song  of  Mary  (i  :  46-55) ;  the  Benedictus,  or  Song  of 
Zacharias  (i  :  68-79)  >  ^^  Gloria  in  Excelsis,  or  Song  of 
the  Angels  (2  :  14) ;  the  Nunc  Demittis,  or  Song  of  Sim- 
eon (2  :  28-32).  His  is  the  most  beautifully  written  of 
all  the  Gospels.  It  is  full  of  exquisite  word  pictures  and 
simple  stories,  charmingly  told. 

3.  A  physician  (Col.  4:  14),  he  knew  the  diseases,  the 
sorrows,  the  sin  and  the  heart  hunger  of  the  people.  Jesus 
was  the  Great  Physician. 

4.  Under  the  influence  of  Paul,  he  could  know  only 
the  universal  Christ.     His  is  the  universal  Gospel. 

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The  Portrait  of  the  King  Study  I 

Some  marks  of  its  universality  : 

(i)  His  use  of  prophecy.  (Read  2  :  29-32 ;  3  :  6; 
4  :  18,  26,  27.) 

(2)  Social  outcasts  were  sought  out  and  loved. 
The  parables  of  the  Good  Samaritan,  the 
Prodigal  Son,  the  Great  Supper,  the  Phari- 
see and  the  Publican ;  the  conversion  of 
Zacchaeus  and  the  Penitent  Thief  are  all  pe- 
culiar to  Luke — are  given  a  prominent  place. 
Jew  and  Gentile  look  down  on  them. 

(3)  Luke  exalts  women.  Elizabeth,  the  Virgin 
Mary,  the  prophetess  Anna,  the  nameless  sin- 
ner in  the  house  of  Simon,  the  visit  to  Mary 
and  Martha,  and  other  instances. 

(4)  The  genealogy  unlike  that  of  Matthew  goes 
back  to  God  the  parent  of  the  whole  human 
race. 

5.  More  than  any  other  Luke  emphasizes  the  place  of 
prayer  in  the  life  of  his  Master.  He  alone  records  eight 
special  instances  in  which  Jesus  prayed.  Luke  11  :  1-13, 
and  the  parable  of  the  Pharisee  and  the  Publican  are  pe- 
culiar to  Luke. 

Will  you  now  read  Luke  9  :  18-20  and  make  this  your 
prayer.  O  that  I  may  know  Him  as  Luke  knew  Him — 
the  ideal  man,  the  friend  of  sinners,  the  exalter  of  woman- 
hood, the  man  of  prayer,  the  Christ  of  God. 

Sixth  Day.  John — The  Gospel  of  Faith  and  Love. 
{ReadJohni:i-i8.) 
Some  people  have  doubted  that  the  Apostle  John  ever 
wrote  this  beautiful  Gospel,  but  there  is  abundant  proof 
that  none  but  he  could  have  written  it.  Irenseus,  writing 
about   180  A.  D.,  says,  "John,  the  disciple  of  the  Lord 

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Study  I  The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

who  also  leaned  upon  His  breast,  himself  also  published 
the  Gospel  while  dwelling  at  Ephesus." 

Dr.  Drummond  says,  after  searching  examination, 
"Justin  Martyr  regarded  the  fourth  Gospel  as  one  of  the 
historical  Memoirs  of  Christ  and  very  probably  believed 
in  its  Johannine  authorship."  Harnack  says,  "  One  must 
leave  open  a  very  certain  probability,  that  the  designation 
of  the  fourth  Gospel  as  the  work  of  the  Apostle  was  to  be 
found  already  in  155-160  a.  d.,  namely  on  the  part  of 
Justin."  A  good  popular  discussion  of  this  question  can 
be  found  in  the  introduction  to  the  Messages  of  Jesus  by 
Professor  Riggs,  of  Auburn,  from  which  the  above  is  taken. 
He  says  in  his  conclusion :  "  It  is  therefore  to  John  the 
Apostle  we  turn,  as  giving  the  best  answer  to  the  question 
of  authorship.  It  gives  us  an  historical  setting  which 
is  unquestionably  trustworthy."  It  was  written  about 
90  A.  D. 

Some  characteristics  of  John* s  Gospel : 

1.  It  records  mostly  the  ministry  in  and  about  Jerusa- 
lem. His  discourses  are  largely  with  individuals  or  with 
theologians  in  the  temple,  hence  their  direct,  personal  and 
spiritual  nature.  They  all  bear  the  marks  of  an  eye- 
witness. 

2.  Every  page  breathes  the  tenderness  of  a  mature  and 
mellow  life.  John  alone  records  the  talk  with  Nicodemus, 
with  the  woman  at  the  well,  the  raising  of  Lazarus,  the 
discourses  on  the  Bread  of  Life,  the  Light  of  the  World, 
the  Good  Shepherd  and  those  farewell  talks  with  His  dis- 
ciples in  the  upper  room  that  have  given  his  Gospel  a  last- 
ing place  in  the  affections  of  all  Christians. 

3.  His  faith  in  and  love  for  Jesus  as  the  Incarnate  Son 
of  God  (i :  i),  the  life  and  light  of  men  (i  :  4),  and  full 

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The  Portrait  of  the  King  Study  I 

of  grace  and  truth  (i  :  14),  is  absolute.  Faith  and  love 
like  cords  of  silver  and  gold  are  the  warp  and  the  woof  of 
his  Gospel.  It  is  a  splendid  garment  with  here  and  there 
a  thread  broken  by  unbelief  and  one  great  rent  of  hatred. 
He  wrote  with  a  definite  purpose  (20  :  31). 

Plan  of  the  Gospel. 

Chaps.  1-4.       The  beginning  of  faith. 

"      5-12.     The  growth  of  faith  and  unbelief. 

"     13-17.     The  result  of  faith — a  deeper  love  and 
revelation  of  truth. 

"     18-19.     The  consequences  of  unbelief, — an  intense 
hatred  and  complete  spiritual  blindness. 

"        20.        The  triumph  of  Christ  and  the  justifica- 
tion of  our  faith  in  Him. 

"        21.        Is  a  kind  of  after  climax. 


Seventh     Day.      General    Summary.      (Read    Phil. 

Review  the  general  reading  matter  until  the  whole  is 
vividly  before  you.  We  feel  that  each  Gospel  has  a  vital 
place  in  the  whole.  Their  differences  only  emphasize 
their  genuineness. 

Dr.  Edgar  W.  Work,  in  The  Fascination  of  the  Book, 
suggests  that  we  have  here  a  fourfold  portrait  of  Jesus. 
Matthew,  the  profile  picture,  outlined  against  the  back- 
ground of  Jewish  history.  Mark,  the  steel  engraving, 
with  sharp  incisive  lines  but  bold  and  strong.  Luke,  the 
half-tone,  with  softened  lines  and  rich  shadow  effects. 
John,  the  life-sized  portrait  in  oil,  the  most  satisfactory 
of  them  all. 

Then  there  is  your  portrait  of  your  Lord :     What  is  it  ? 
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STUDY  II 

THE  HOMELAND  OF  THE  KING:  SOME  FACTS 
OF  GEOGRAPHY  AND  HISTORY 

(  The  first  two  lessons  are  to  be  read  carejully.) 

First  Day.    Palestine — Its  Physical  Geography. 

Palestine  is  140  miles  long  and  from  twenty  to  eighty 
wide.  Area,  about  8,000  square  miles ;  population  about 
6,000,000.  New  Jersey,  area  7,500  square  miles;  popu- 
lation 1,500,000.  Does  this  explain  Mark  i  :  43-45  ; 
also  6  : 3 1-34  ? 

Physical  aspects.  Moving  eastward  from  the  Mediter- 
ranean Sea,  one  crosses  the  plains  of  Sharon  and  Philistia, 
enters  the  lowland  hills  and  then  climbs  the  steep  moun- 
tain range,  from  2,000  to  3,000  feet  high,  that  runs  from 
north  to  south.  From  here  the  descent  is  rugged  and 
rapid  to  the  valley  of  the  Jordan.  "  No  other  part  of  our 
earth  uncovered  by  water  sinks  to  300  feet  below  the  level 
of  the  ocean ;  but  here  we  have  a  rift  which  falls  from  the 
sea  level  to  as  deep  as  1,292  feet  below  it."  Here  is  the 
Jordan  river  100  miles  long,  the  Sea  of  Galilee  thirteen 
miles  long,  widest  breadth  eight,  and  the  Dead  Sea  fifty- 
three  miles  long  and  ten  wide. 

Temperature  often  110°;  growth  in  places  rank  and 
dense,  filled  with  the  wild  boar  and  wolf.  Upper  slopes 
bare,  and  rising  at  times  to  high  peaks  from  which  one  can 
see  innumerable  kingdoms  (Mark  i  :  12-13  ;  Luke  4  :  5). 

Second  Day.     The  Home  of  the  Boy  Jesus. 

In    southern   Galilee,    the   triangular   shaped    plain  of 
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The  Homeland  of  the  King  Study  II 

Esdraelon  breaks  the  mountain  range  and  widens  towards 
the  Sea  of  Galilee.  On  the  northern  side  are  the  Nazareth 
hills  where  Jesus  lived  and  grew  up.  "  Nazareth  rests  in 
a  basin  among  the  hills,  but  the  moment  you  climb  to  the 
edge  of  this  basin  what  a  view  you  have  !  Esdraelon  lies 
before  you  with  its  twenty  battle-fields,  the  scenes  of 
Barak's  and  of  Gideon's  victories,  the  scenes  of  Saul's  and 
Josiah's  defeats.  There  is  Naboth's  vineyard  and  the 
place  of  Jehu's  revenge  upon  Jezebel ;  there  Shunem  and 
the  house  of  Elisha ;  there  Carmel  and  the  place  of  Elijah's 
sacrifice.  You  see  thirty  miles  in  three  directions,  but 
equally  full  and  rich  was  the  present  life  on  which  the  eye 
of  the  boy  Jesus  looked  out.  All  the  rumour  of  the  Em- 
pire entered  Palestine  close  to  Nazareth,  a  vision  of  all  the 
kingdoms  of  the  world  was  as  possible  from  this  village  as 
from  the  Mount  of  Temptation"  {George  Adam  Smith). 
Recall  the  scenes  of  your  own  early  childhood.  Note  their 
effect  on  your  after  life. 

Descending  from  the  Nazareth  hills  by  the  road  past 
Cana,  we  enter  upon  a  wilder,  more  broken  country  above 
the  Sea  of  Galilee.  These  terraced  moors  of  gray  lime- 
stone, "Broken  by  dykes  of  basalt  and  strewn  with  lava 
and  pumice  stone,  terminate  in  a  line  of  cliffs  some  300 
feet  above  the  lake." — MacCoun. 

Here  Jesus  preached  the  Sermon  on  the  Mount,  fed  the 
great  multitude  and  spent  whole  nights  in  prayer.  Now 
read  Matt.  4  :  25  ;  5:1;  Luke  6:12.  This  is  the  home 
of  the  Christ.  To  Him  it  was  the  most  sacred  spot  on 
earth — to  us  it  will  always  be  the  Holy  Land. 

Third  Day.     Palestine — Its  Political  Geography, 

I.  Location.  Located  where  Asia  and  Africa  meet,  a 
land  of  rich  tribute  and  strong  defense,  the  world  empires 

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Study  II  The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

have  always  fought  for  Palestine.  The  banners  of  the 
Canaanite,  the  Jew,  the  Babylonian,  the  Egyptian,  the  Per- 
sian, the  Greek,  the  Roman,  the  Briton,  the  Franc,  and 
the  Turk,  have  floated  from  its  mountain  ramparts.  Who 
knows  its  future  ?  In  Christ's  time,  the  Romans  were 
master,  cruel  and  despotic.  The  people  longed  for  a  de- 
liverer. 

2.  Provinces.  Galilee,  open,  rustic  and  tolerant ; 
Perea  beyond  Jordan,  a  land  of  shepherds ;  Samaria,  a 
mongrel  Jewish-Assyrian  people,  disliked  by  its  neigh- 
bours ;  Judea,  isolated,  aristocratic  and  bigoted.  Herod 
the  Great  ruled  over  all  from  37-4  b.  c.  During  later 
lifetime  of  Jesus,  Samaria  and  Judea  became  a  Roman 
province,  Pontius  Pilate,  governor;  Galilee  and  Perea  a 
tetrarchy  with  Herod  Antipas  ruler  (Luke  3:1). 

3.  Cities.  Jerusalem,  the  "  Holy  City,"  the  seat  of 
learning  and  religion  ;  "  built  upon  five  mountains,  aver- 
aging 2,500  feet  above  the  sea,  and  encompassed  on  three 
sides  by  a  deep  gorge."  Six  miles  from  Bethlehem,  six- 
teen from  Jericho,  seventy  from  Nazareth,  and  ten  more 
from  Capernaum.  Within  its  walls  the  sacred  temple; 
outside  its  gate  the  Cross  of  Calvary. 

Capernaum,  the  centre  of  commerce,  located  on  the  Sea 
of  Galilee,  mixed  with  Greek  influence,  tolerant  but 
worldly,  full  of  sin  and  misery.  Both  were  cities  of 
strategic  influence  ;  both  rejected  Jesus,  but  for  different 
reasons. 

Fourth  Day.     Palestine — Its  Religious  Sects. 

I.  When  Alexander  the  Great  died,  Palestine  passed 
under  the  power  of  the  Syrian.  In  175  b.  c.  Antiochus 
Epiphanes  sought  to  suppress  the  Jewish  religion.  He 
sacked  Jerusalem,  desecrated  the  Temple  and  sacrificed  a 

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The  Homeland  of  the  King  Study  II 

pig  upon  its  sacred  altar.  Israel  revolted  under  the  IMacca- 
bees,  regaining  partial  independence  under  John  Hyr- 
canus,  136-105  B.  c,  who  was  High  Priest  and  virtually 
king. 

2.     Two  religious  and  political  parties  now  appeared. 

The  Pharisees  stood  for  the  old  Mosaic  laws  and  cus- 
toms, opposed  foreign  innovations  and  alliances,  numbered 
about  6,000  and  had  great  influence. 

The  Sadducees  belonged  to  the  aristocratic  families,  be- 
lieved in  innovations  and  foreign  alliances,  and  kept  the 
law  when  it  suited  them.  The  High  Priest  was  a  Sadducee 
in  Christ's  time. 

The  Pharisees  were  bigoted  ecclesiastics,  putting  the 
letter  of  tradition  above  the  spirit  of  the  law.  The 
Sadducees  were  rank  rationalists,  disbelieving  in  angels, 
the  resurrection,  etc.  The  Pharisees  loved  the  Temple 
because  it  gave  them  power  over  the  people ;  the  Saddu- 
cees because  it  yielded  them  large  revenues. — See  Stalker^ s 
Life  of  Christ,  Chap.  II. 

Under  the  Romans  they  degenerated  into  opposing  fac- 
tions seeking  their  own  ends.  How  does  this  explain 
their  fierce  opposition  to  Jesus?  (John  11  :  47-53).  His 
to  them?  (Matt.  23:  16-28). 

Fifth  Day.  The  Fullness  of  Time.  {Read  Mark 
I  :is  ;   Gal.  4:4.) 

I.     Preparation  of  Israel. 

General  preparation :  by  revelation  and  prophecy  (Heb. 
I  :  i) ;  by  trial  and  discipline  fisa.  40  :  i-ii). 

Special  preparation  :  lack  of  authority  and  spirituality 
in  religious  leaders  (Matt.  7  :  28,  29)  ;  tyranny  of  Romans. 

Two  evidences  of  the  latter  :  a  godly  remnant  gathered 
daily  in  the  Temple  to  pray  for  His  speedy  coming  (Luke 

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Study  II  The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

a  :  35-38) ;  a  secret  society  called  Zealots,  more  zealous 
than  wise,  organized  to  crown  the  Messiah  when  He  should 
appear.     What  light  does  this  throw  on  John  6:15? 

2.     Preparation  of  the  world. 

Spread  of  the  idea  of  God  by  the  Jewish  captivity  and 
Daniel  in  Babylon  and  by  the  general  colonizing  of  Jews 
by  Alexander  the  Great. 

Spread  of  Greek  language — a  vehicle  for  the  Gospel. 

Spread  of  Roman  power — political  solidarity.  A  uni- 
versal king,  a  world  Saviour,  the  brotherhood  of  man,  the 
Kingdom  of  God  on  earth :  contrast  these  with  the  exclu- 
sive idea  of  the  average  Jew. 

Spread  of  a  great  world  hunger — a  blind  reaching  out 
after  God  (Acts  17  :  22,  23).  In  Rome,  Seneca,  b.  c, 
represented  the  highest  life,  but  he  was  characterless  and 
had  no  sense  of  a  personal,  moral  God.  In  Greece,  re- 
ligion was  lustful.  Plato  had  long  banished  the  pagan 
deities  from  thought.  Vice  reigned,  philosophy  was  pessi- 
mistic. "The  Great  Pan  is  dead."  '<  The  world's  sun 
had  set  and  its  night  was  hastening  on." 

In  the  fullness  of  time  God  sent  forth  His  Son. 

Sixth  Day.     The  Chronology  of  the  Birth. 

When  Jesus  appeared,  time  was  reckoned  a.  u.  c.  (ab 
urbe  condita),  from  the  founding  of  the  city,  Rome.  In 
the  sixth  century  Dionysius  Exiguus,  abbot  of  the  monas- 
tery at  Rome,  induced  the  world  to  change  its  method  and 
reckon  all  time  from  the  Birth  of  Christ.  What  is  the 
value  of  this  as  to  the  historical  fact  of  Christianity  ?  It 
was  discovered  centuries  later,  too  late  to  correct  the  error, 
that  he  had  made  a  slight  mistake  in  fixing  the  exact  date 
of  our  Lord's  birth. 

How  shall  we  determine  the  exact  date  ? 
30 


The  Homeland  of  the  King  Study  II 

Jesus  was  born  just  before  the  death  of  Herod,  b.  c.  4 
(Matt.  2:1,  16,  19),  and  after  the  census  was  ordered 
B.  c.  6  (Luke  2:2);  hence  between  b.  c.  6  and  4. 

Jesus  was  baptized  when  thirty  years  old  (Luke  3  :  23), 
in  fifteenth  year  of  Tiberius,  A.  d.  25  ;  a.  d.  25  less  30 
gives  us  B.  c.  5. 

Herod  was  forty-six  years  building  the  Temple  (John 
2  :  20).     He  began  in  b.  c.  20 ;  b.  c.  20  plus  46  gives  us 

A.  D.  26.     Jesus  was  now  thirty-one  years  old;  a.  d.  26 
less  31  gives  us  b.  c.  5.     Jesus  was  born  the  latter  part  of 

B.  c.  5.     It  is  the  greatness  of  the  event  not  the  date  that 
should  impress  us  most. 

Seventh  Day.  The  Chronology  and  Outline  of  the  Life 
and  Ministry,  as  Given  in  the  Table  of  Contents. 

In  determining  the  division  of  our  Lord's  life  and  min- 
istry, two  things  have  guided  us :  first,  the  dates  given  in 
the  Gospel  records ;  second,  the  crucial  events  of  His  life. 

We  begin  with  His  Baptism.  John  the  Baptist  appeared 
late  in  a.  d.  25  (Luke  3 :  i).  Jesus  was  baptized  soon 
after.  See  Study  V,  First  Day,  also  Chart.  This  is  our 
first  date  for  the  public  ministry.  Jesus  was  now  thirty 
years  old  (Luke  3  :  23)  so  we  have  our  first  period,  from 
the  Birth  b.  c.  5  to  the  Baptism  shortly  after  Passover, 
A.  D.  26,  or  the  Birth  and  thirty  years  of  quiet  preparation. 

The  next  date  given  (John  2  :  13)  Jesus  appears  in 
Jerusalem  and  cleanses  the  Temple.  The  character  of  the 
events  are  such  that  we  call  this  period  the  year  of  special 
preparation,  from  Passover  a.  d.  26  to  Passover  a.  d.  27. 

Our  next  date  is  John  6 :  4,  the  feeding  of  the  5,000, 
confirmed  by  Mark  6  :  39.  As  this  was  a  most  crucial 
event,  we  seize  upon  it  as  our  next  division,  so  we  have 
our  third  period  from  the  first  public  appearance  in  Jeru- 

31 


Study  II  The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

salem,  a.  d.  27,  to  the  feeding  of  the  5,000,  Passover,  a.  d. 
28.  As  this  was  a  year  of  great  activity,  when  multitudes 
thronged  Jesus  and  the  Kingdom  was  definitely  organized, 
we  call  it  the  year  of  external  development  and  great  pop- 
ularity. 

From  now  on  the  life  moves  swiftly  towards  the  Cruci- 
fixion, which  occurred  in  Passover  season,  a.  d.  29.  This 
is  our  fourth  period,  from  Passover  28  to  Passover  29,  a 
year  of  increasing  opposition  on  the  part  of  the  authorities 
and  internal  development  and  self-revelation  on  the  part  of 
Jesus. 

This  makes  the  public  ministry  of  Jesus  cover  a  period 
of  a  little  less  than  three  years,  and  makes  Him  about 
thirty-three  years  old  at  the  time  of  His  death. 

For  purposes  of  better  study  we  will  consider  the  Passion 
Week  and  the  forty  days  following  the  Resurrection  as 
separate  periods.  This  then  gives  us  a  sixfold  division  of 
the  life,  and  around  this  we  will  group  our  studies. 
Memorize  the  chronological  outline  in  the  Table  of  Con- 
tents, and  get  well  in  mind  the  outline  of  the  studies. 

Now  make  a  thorough  study  of  the  Chart  until  the  out- 
line is  well  in  hand.  It  would  be  a  splendid  exercise  at 
this  point,  to  write  a  brief  introduction  to  the  Life  of 
Christ  (about  500  words),  using  the  above  lessons  and 
other  sources  you  may  have  at  hand. 


32 


PART  I 
The  Thirty  Years  of  Quiet  Preparation 


STUDY  III 


THE  ADVENT  OF  THE  KING  AND  THIRTY 
YEARS  OF  QUIET  PREPARATION 

First  Day.     The  Annunciation. 

1.  To  Mary.  Recorded  only  by  Luke  (i :  26-38). 
Note  in  your  book  four  characteristics  of  Jesus  given 
by  the  angel  (vs.  32-33).  Who  is  back  of  this  wonderful 
event?  Weigh  v.  37  as  a  general  proposition.  Dwell  on 
the  faith  of  Mary.     What  alternative  did  she  have  ? 

2.  To  Joseph.  Recorded  only  by  Matthew  (i  :  18-25). 
Cf.  the  two  accounts.  Note  two  characteristics  of  Joseph 
in  v.  19.  Add  to  your  list,  one  more  characteristic  of  Jesus 
by  the  angel  (v.  21).  How  is  v.  22  characteristic  of  Mat- 
thew ?  Dwell  upon  the  faith  of  Joseph.  Faith  in  God 
meant  faith  in  each  other. 

Second  Day.  Mary's  Visit  to  Elizabeth.  {Luke 
^•39-56.) 
"Hill  country"  south  of  Bethlehem.  Relatives  of 
Mary.  Song  of  Mary — "The  Magnificat" — (Latin  for 
magnify).  Theme — v.  46.  Praise  and  gratitude.  The 
song  falls  into  three  divisions.  (Vs.  47-50;  51-53; 
54»  55-)     What  is  the  thought  in  each  ?     For  the  Jewish 

2,Z 


Study  in  The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

origin  and  thought  of  this  hymn  cf.  i  Sam.  2 :  i-io  ; 
Ps.  34:  2ff;  Ps.  35  :  9  ;  Ps.  98  :  I  ;  Ps.  118  :  15.  Create 
the  scene  of  the  visit.  Two  women  filled  with  the  dawn- 
ing sense  of  motherhood.  Did  your  mother  so  behold  the 
hand  of  God  in  your  life  ?  Are  you  realizing  her  hopes 
and  God's  plan  ? 

Third  Day.     The  Birth. 

1.  According  to  Matthew  (i  :  18-25).  The  simple 
fact  is  stated. 

2.  According  to  Luke  (2  :  1-7).  Trace  the  journey 
on  the  map.  Bethlehem — a  country  of  grain  fields  and 
pasture  lands  ;  ancestral  home  of  both  parents,  birthplace 
of  our  Lord.  See  hymn  by  Phillips  Brooks,  "  O  Little 
Town  of  Bethlehem."  Manger — possibly  a  cave  in  the 
hill.  Why  not  princes  instead  of  shepherds  ?  (See  i  Sam. 
16  :  1-13.)  What  characteristic  of  Jesus  does  the  song  of 
the  angels  suggest  ?  (Isa.  9:6). 

Fourth  Day.  The  Birth — According  to  John  (z  ;  1-18'). 
A  doctrinal  statement  of  the  Incarnation  as  a  fact  in 
history,  written  to  combat  errors  of  Greek  philosophy 
which  had  crept  into  the  church  of  John's  day  and  also  as 
an  introduction  to  his  Gospel.  "The  Word":  In 
Greek  philosophy  it  meant  a  vague  being  intermediary 
between  the  supreme  mind  or  truth,  and  the  created  world 
or  men,  but  not  an  essential  part  of  either.  To  John  it 
was  an  essential  part  of  both  :  His  relation  to  God  (v.  1) ; 
to  time  (v.  2) ;  to  Creation  (vs.  3  and  10) ;  to  men  (vs.  4 
and  9) ;  to  authority  (v.  1 2).  Just  who  was  the  Word  ? 
(v.  14).  What  was  His  twofold  function?  (v.  17).  What 
do  vs.  12  and  18  explain  these  functions  to  be?  Does  the 
answer  of  Greek  philosophy  or  Christianity  best  satisfy  the 

34 


The  Advent  of  the  King  Study  III 

claims  of  the  soul?     Dwell  upon  the  sublimity  of  John's 
conception  of  Jesus. 

Fifth  Day.  The  Goiealogies.  {Matt,  i :  i-iy  ;  Luke 
3:  23-38.) 
Possible  explanations  :  Both  give  the  descent  through 
Joseph  but  as  the  legal  not  physical  father  of  Jesus; 
descent  through  women  had  no  legal  standing.  Malthat 
may  be  the  same  as  Matthan — hence  Mary  and  Joseph 
would  be  cousins.  Either  conclusion  destroys  incon- 
gruities. Why  does  Matthew  differ  from  Luke?  Two 
possible  reasons :  Matthew  traces  the  descent  from  David 
through  Solomon,  Luke  through  Nathan  ;  evidently  neither 
are  complete.  More  facts  would  make  greater  harmony 
possible. 

Sixth  Day.      The  Infancy. 

The  Circumcision  (Luke  2:  21).  The  Purification 
(22-39).  (See  Lev.  12  :  1-8.)  How  does  Gal.  4:  4  ex- 
plain these  events  ? 

The  Song  of  Simeon.  "  In  suppressed  rapture  and 
vivid  intensity,  this  canticle  equals  the  most  beautiful  of 
the  Psalms"  (Fliwifner).  Note  its  breadth  of  vision. 
The  Wise  Men  (Matt  2  :  1-12),  astrologers,  may  be  fire- 
worshippers.  What  is  the  significance  to  us  of  their 
visit?  The  Flight  (Matt.  2:  13-23).  Whom  did  Herod 
think  the  young  King  to  be  ?  Read  The  Other  Wise 
Man  by  van  Dyke  in  The  Blue  Flower. 

Seventh   Day.     The  Life  in   Nazareth   and   Visit  to 
Jerusalem.     (^Luke  2  :  40-S2.) 
I.     Life    in   Nazareth    (Luke    2:   40,    51,    52;    Mark 
6:3).     Describe  the  life  in  Nazareth.     He  was  probably 

35 


Study  III  The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

poor.  For  the  influence  of  Galilee  on  His  character  see 
Study  II,  Second  Day.  In  what  way  would  these  different 
facts  prepare  Him  for  His  ministry  ? 

2.  One  incident  in  all  those  quiet  years.  What  insight 
does  it  give  into  the  homelife,  into  the  growing  conscious- 
ness of  His  great  ministry  ?  If  possible,  read  The  Man 
Christ  Jesus y  by  Robert  Speer,  Chap.  /,  also  p.  40. 

"His  religious  life  deepening,  broadening,  strengthen- 
ing, gathering  volume  and  fullness,  rising  up  into  the 
infinite  comprehension  of  His  first  public  utterances." 
— Speer. 

"And  it  came  to  pass  that  after  three  days,  she  found 
Him"  (Luke  2:  46).  "One  thing  Mary  never  forgot: 
out  of  that  brief  life  of  His  she  had  lost  four  days. 
The  consciousness  of  it  was  like  a  sword  piercing  her 
heart." — /.  Stuart  Holden. 


36 


PART  II 

The  Year  of  Special  Preparation 


STUDY  IV 


THE  HERALD  OF  THE  KING— JOHN  THE 
BAPTIST 

The  success  of  this  strange  man  of  the  desert  was 
phenomenal :  his  relation  to  the  ministry  of  Jesus,  vital. 
These  are  the  two  points  before  us  in  this  week's  study. 

First,  his  success.  The  secret  of  a  man's  success  in  life 
always  helps  us  in  our  lives.  Four  things  are  to  be  noted  : 
the  conditions  surrounding  his  birth ;  the  conditions  con- 
nected with  his  public  appearance ;  the  nature  of  his  mes- 
sage; the  personality  of  the  man. 

First  Day.     The  Conditions  Surrounditig  His  Birth. 

1.  Before  the  birth  (Luke  i  :  5-25).  To  what  was 
John's  birth  the  answer  ?  What  kind  of  a  father  did  John 
have?  What  kind  of  a  mother?  (v.  41).  What  is  the 
significance  of  these  facts  ?  Write  down  five  characteris- 
tics of  John  given  by  angel  (vs.  15-17).  Compare  with 
those  of  Jesus. 

2.  Birth — several  months  before  that  of  Jesus.  Place 
(v.  65). 

3.  After  the  birth  (Luke  i :  57-80).  Song  of 
Zacharias — the  Benedictus  —  "Blessed  be  the  Lord." 
Try  to  realize  the  scene  (vs.  64,  65).     The  glad  sublime 

37 


Study  IV  The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

passion  of  the  song.  "The  last  prophecy  of  the  Old 
Dispensation  and  the  first  of  the  New,"  Note  where  the 
Old  ends  and  the  New  begins.  Read  vs.  66  and  80. 
What  career  is  forecast  ? 

"  Good  mothers  are  the  greatest  asset  of  our  national 
life. ' ' — Theodore  Roosevelt. 

"I  have  heard  the  prayers  of  my  mother  and  they  have 
followed  me  all  the  days  of  my  life." — Abraham  Lincoln. 

Second  Day.  The  Conditions  Connected  with  His 
Public  Appearance. 
Does  Matthew  3:1-3  suggest  these  conditions?  Read 
Luke  3  :  4-6  (Isa.  40:  3-5).  Mark  i :  3  combines  two 
prophecies :  v.  2  from  Mai.  3:1;  read  also  Mai.  4 :  3,  6. 
There  had  been  no  prophet  for  400  years.  Just  what  did 
John's  coming  mean  to  Israel?  How  would  this  help  ac- 
count for  his  immediate  success  ? 

Third  Day.     The  Nature  of  His  Message. 

1.  According  to  Mark  (i :  4).  This  is  the  core  of  it 
all — sin,  repentance,  forgiveness,  baptism  as  a  symbol  of 
the  inward  cleansing.     Matthew  and  Luke  supplement  it. 

2.  According  to  Matthew  (3  :  1-12).  Does  v.  2  sug- 
gest a  social  aspect  to  the  message?  A  message  to  re- 
ligious leaders  (vs.  7-12).  What  was  their  sin?  (vs.  7-9  ; 
Mai.  3:  3).  What  would  happen?  (vs.  10-12).  Was 
judgment  present  or  future  or  both?  Such  a  message 
probes  deep,  uncovers  the  conscience  and  commands 
obedience.  Read  vs.  5,  6.  What  is  here  clearly  stated 
as  the  necessary  condition  of  entrance  into  the  Kingdom  ? 

Fourth  Day.     The  Nature  of  the  Message  [Concluded^. 

3.  According  to  Luke  (3  :  1-14).     Matthew  and  Mark 

38 


The  Herald  of  the  King  Study  IV 

emphasize  the  individual  aspect  of  John's  message,  Luke 
the  social.  Must  the  one  always  precede  the  other  to  make 
it  effective  and  permanent  ? 

(i)  To  tlie  multitudes,  (v.  ii)  charity  and  co- 
operation. 

(2)  To  public  officials :  quit  your  grafting,  be 
honest. 

(3)  To  soldiers  and  the  government :  (v.  14)  war 
for  conquest  and  self-aggrandizement  is  eter- 
nally wrong. 

Just  what  aspects  of  this  message  need  special  emphasis 
in  this  century  ?  Reread  Matt.  3  :  2  as  summing  up  the 
whole  message.  In  what  way  does  Matt.  3 :  11  both 
deepen  and  heighten  it  ? 

Fifth  Day.  The  Personality  of  the  Man.  {Mark  1:6.) 
A  strange  character,  a  picturesque  commanding  figure. 
"A  voice  crying  in  the  wilderness."  Stern,  prophetic, 
uncompromising,  yet  full  of  pathos.  Great  with  a  splendid 
sense  of  power,  yet  humble  as  a  child.  Simple  but  sub- 
lime. Read  Matt.  3  :  4.  How  would  his  manner  of  life 
aid  him  in  piercing  the  shams  of  his  age?  •'  No  rugged 
prophet  was  ever  produced  by  city  life." — Speer. 

Reread  the  five  characteristics  noted  on  first  day. 
What  two  additional  characteristics  does  Matt.  3 :  11 
suggest?  What  additional  characteristics  does  Luke  3  :  19 
indicate?  With  all  the  data  in  hand,  let  your  imagination 
create  the  character.  Put  all  these  facts  into  your  cruci- 
ble ;  mix  them  with  mountain  peaks  and  desert  wastes ; 
with  shining  rivers  and  prophetic  voices  and  all  those  rich 
memories  of  childhood ;  season  it  all  with  the  flavour  of 
locusts  and  wild  honey ;  pour  it  into  the  mould  of  God's 
eternal  plan  and  see  what  kind  of  a  man  you  will  have. 

39 


Study  IV  The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

Sixth  Day.     The  Relation  of  John  to  Jesus. 

1.  The  relation  of  the  man.  Read  John  i :  8,  19-28. 
How  does  Luke  3  :  15-17  make  it  plainer  ? 

2.  The  relation  of  the  message.  Cf.  Matt.  3  :  2  and 
4:17.  What  is  your  conclusion  ?  John  held  the  current 
idea  of  the  Kingdom,  a  temporary  one  with  the  Messiah 
as  King.  Jesus  took  John's  message  as  His  point  of  con- 
tact. Both  expected  a  moral  reformation.  With  John  it 
would  precede  the  Kingdom  and  be  immediate ;  with  Jesus 
it  was  to  be  the  Kingdom,  hence  its  roots  must  go  much 
deeper  and  its  realization  require  ages.  This  is  the  vital 
difference.  Jesus  enlarges  the  current  idea  and  spiritualizes 
it.  He  also  has  a  different  method  of  realizing  it.  With 
John  it  was  swift  judgment  and  catastrophe ;  with  Jesus 
it  was  love,  forgiveness  and  growth. 

Seventh  Day.    Some  Conclusions. 

1.  The  End  of  John  the  Baptist. 

{a)  The  imprisonment — a  few  weeks  after  Jesus'  first 
public  appearance  in  Jerusalem  (April  27).  {b)  The 
cause.  Read  Mark  6:  14-29.  \c)  The  death  about 
ten  months  later.  (jT)  The  place — a  fortress  called 
Machserus,  located  near  the  Dead  Sea  {Josephus  in 
Antiquities y  Book  XVIII,  Chap.  V,  2).  Herod  was 
banished  to  Gaul.  Read  Luke  13 :  31,  32,  and  contrast 
his  character  with  that  of  John. 

2.  John's  Testimony  to  Jesus. 

{a)  The  Lamb  of  God  (John  i :  29-36).  Old  Testa- 
ment type — a  sacrifice,  {b^  The  Bridegroom  (John 
3  :  28-29).  ^^w  Testament  type — friendship,  (r)  The 
supreme  Christ  (John  3 :  30),  Old  and  New  Testament 
types — King  and  Lord, 

The  Apostle  John  here  gives  three  reasons  for  Christ's 
40 


The  Herald  of  the  King  Study  IV 

supremacy  over  John  (vs.  31,  34,  35),  and  then  states  the 
consequences  of  faith  and  unbelief.  Determine  these  four 
things.  Try  to  realize  the  great  depth  of  meaning  in  this 
section.  Do  you  so  know  Jesus  as  your  sacrifice,  your 
friend,  your  King  and  Lord  ? 

3.     Jesus'  Testimony  to  John. 

(a)  A  genuine  man  (Matt.  1 1 :  7-9).  (d)  More  than 
a  prophet  (Matt.  11 :  9,  11,  14) — Old  Testament  type  of 
man.  (c)  The  Herald  of  the  King  (Matt.  11  :  10). 
(</)  The  one  greater  than  John  (Matt.  11:  11) — New 
Testament  type  of  a  man. 

"  *  Ou  katelaben  '  (John  1:5)  apprehended  it  not  (the 
light) — did  not  lay  hold  of  so  as  to  make  one's  own  ;  did 
not  take  into  itself  so  as  to  appropriate  it ;  hence  did  not 
comprehend." — Thayer,  Greek  Lexicon. 


41 


STUDY  V 

THE   ANOINTING    OF    THE    KING— THE    BAP- 
TISM,  TEMPTATION  AND  FIRST  MIRACLE 

First    Day.      The   Baptism.     {Matt.  3 :  13-17  ;  Mark 
I  :  g-ii;  Luke  3  :  21,  23.) 

1.  John  the  Baptist  doubtless  took  advantage  of  the 
Passover  season,  a.  d.  26,  to  inaugurate  the  movement. 
Jesus,  then  an  unknown  artisan  in  Nazareth,  was  doubtless 
among  the  crowds,  going  and  coming  from  Jerusalem,  that 
listened  to  John.  After  His  return  home,  possibly  after  the 
Feast  of  Pentecost,  to  which  many  of  the  more  devout 
usually  remained,  Jesus  felt  the  insistent  call  to  return  to 
the  Jordan  and  identify  Himself  with  the  movement  of 
John,  feeling  in  some  way  that  His  hour  had  come.  On 
this  assumption,  about  when  did  the  Baptism  take  place? 
See  Chart. 

2.  Why  was  Jesus  baptized?  John's  baptism  was 
preparatory  and  stood  for  repentance  of  sin.  Read 
Matt.  5:17;  now  3  :  15.  What  was  one  reason  ?  Now 
read  Luke  15:2;  19  :  5-10  ;  22  :  37 ;  Heb.  2:11.  Give 
another  reason.  Now  read  John  i:  29;  17:  19.  The 
word  sanctify  means  set  apart  or  consecrate-  Give  a  third 
reason. 

Second   Day.      The  Anointing  by  the  Spirit.      (Luke 

3:  21.-) 

What  relation  to  prayer  has  spiritual  infilling?  (John 

1 :  29-34)  ;  cf.  descriptions  of  the  Holy  Spirit.     Did  the 

people  see  the  Dove  or  hear  the  voice?     "As  a  Dove" 

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The  Anointing  of  the  King  Study  V 

may  mean  dove-like,  gentle  and  hovering.  "Thou  art 
My  beloved  Son."  God's  recognition  of  Christ's  true 
Kingship ;  also  His  verdict  on  those  eighteen  silent  years 
(i  Sam.  i6  :  13).  "  From  the  first,  the  Divine  Spirit  was 
His.  But  now  His  human  nature  girds  itself  to  the  most 
strenuous  endeavour,  and  so  gives  scope  to  the  fullest 
energy  of  the  indwelling  God." — Marcus  Dods. 

Third  Day.     The  Temptation.     {Matt.  4  :  i-ii ;  Mark 
I  :  1 2-1  J  ;  Luke  4  :  1-13.) 

1.  John  implies  the  temptation.  The  Spirit,  not  the 
devil  drives  him  (Mark  i:  12);  here  is  irresistible  con- 
scious power.  The  psychological  necessity  of  the  temp- 
tation is  imperative. 

2,  The  order  differs  but  the  essence  of  the  temptation 
as  a  whole  is  the  same.     What  is  it  ? 

Henry  Churchill  King.  G.  Campbell  Morgan. 

The  Kingdom  by  bread.  To  satisfy  hunger  for  food. 

The  Kingdom  by  marvel.         To  satisfy  hunger  for  fame. 
The  Kingdom  by  force.  To  satisfy  hunger  for  power. 

The  answer  to  all  is  the  same — the  righteousness  of  God. 

Fourth  Day.     The  Temptation  {Continued). 

1.  Analyze  the  separate  temptations;  seek  to  realize 
the  awfulness  of  the  struggle.  The  dreary  waste,  the  howl- 
ing jackal,  the  hungry  body,  the  blinding  mist,  the  subtle 
and  titanic  powers  without,  the  conscious  power  within, 
the  dawning  light,  the  splendid  victory,  the  ministering 
angels. 

2.  The  purest  life  is  tempted  or  tested.  Our  Lord's 
temptation  was  real.  He  remained  absolutely  unstained. 
Hence  His  power  to  help  us  (Heb.  2  :  18  ;  4 :  14-16). 

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Study  V  The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

"  He  might  have  reared  a  palace  at  a  word 

Who  sometimes  had  not  where  to  lay  His  head. 

Time  was  when  He  who  nourished  crowds  with  bread 
Would  not  one  meal  unto  Himself  afford. 

He  healed  another's  scratch  ;  His  own  side  bled. 
Side,  feet,  and  hands  with  cruel  piercings  gored. 
Twelve  legions  girded  with  angelic  sword 
Stood  at  His  beck,  the  scorned  and  buffeted. 
Oh,  wonderful  the  wonders  left  undone. 

And  scarce  less  wonderful  than  those  He  wrought ! 

Oh,  self-restraint,  surpassing  human  thought, 
To  have  all  power,  yet  be  as  having  none ! 
Oh,  self-denying  love  that  thought  alone 
For  needs  of  others,  never  for  its  own  !  " 

Fifth  Day.     The  First  Disciples.     {John  i :  35-51.) 

1.  On  His  return  from  the  wilderness  Jesus  attracts  to 
Him  two  men.  Two  things  drew  them  (vs.  35-39).  One 
thing  is  to  be  held  clearly  in  mind ;  they  did  not  attach 
themselves  to  Jesus  because  of  His  miracles  and  signs. 

2.  How  did  He  gain  the  other  three?  What  did 
Nathanael  call  Him  ?     What  vision  did  He  promise  ? 

Sixth  Day.     The  First  Miracle.     {John  2  :  i-ii.) 

1.  What  did  His  mother  think  of  Jesus  ?  The  an- 
swer?    Mary  possibly  sought  a  mere  exhibition  of  power. 

2.  Only  what  was  drawn  out  became  wine. 

3.  The  purpose  of  the  miracle?  (v.  11).  "Sign" 
means  power.  "  Glory  "  means  the  spiritual  nature  back 
of  the  power. 

Seventh  Day.     The  Question  of  Miracles. 

The  following  words  are  taken  from  the  Outlines  of  the 
Life  of  Christ f  by  Sunday ,  p.  loi  ff.  The  arrangement 
is  ours. 

44 


The  Anointing  of  the  King  Study  V 

1 .  The  fact  of  miracles. 

"  There  has  been  a  certain  tendency  of  late  to  recede 
from  the  extreme  position  in  the  denial  of  Miracles. 
Harnack,  for  instance,  writes  in  reference  to  the  Gospel 
history  as  follows :  Much  that  was  formerly  rejected  has 
been  reestablished  on  a  close  investigation,  and  in  the  light 
of  comprehensive  experience.  AMio  in  these  days,  for  ex- 
ample, could  make  such  short  work  of  the  miraculous 
cures  in  the  Gospels  as  was  the  custom  of  scholars 
formerly?" — Christianity  and  History,  p.  6j. 

2.  The  evidence  of  ?niracles. 

"  A  large  part  of  the  evidence  for  the  Gospel  miracles,  in- 
cluding some  of  those  that  are  most  miraculous,  is  separated 
from  the  fact  by  an  interval  of  not  more  than  thirty  years." 

3.  The  inner  necessity  of  miracles. 

"We  are  met  at  the  outset  by  the  Temptation.  If 
there  is  anything  certain  in  history,  it  is  that  the  story  of 
the  Temptation  has  a  real  foundation  in  fact.  There  is 
nothing  in  the  Gospels  that  is  more  authentic.  But  the 
story  of  the  Temptation  presupposes  the  possession  of 
supernatural  powers.  It  all  turns  on  the  question  how 
those  powers  are  to  be  exercised.  It  not  only  implies  the 
possession  of  power  to  work  such  miracles  as  were  actually 
worked,  but  others  even  more  remarkable." 

"If  the  Incarnation  was  a  fact,  and  Jesus  Christ  was 
what  He  claimed  to  be,  His  Miracles,  so  far  being  im- 
probable, will  appear  the  most  natural  in  the  world.  .  .  . 
They  are  so  essentially  a  part  of  the  character  depicted  in 
the  Gospels,  that  without  them  that  character  would  en- 
tirely disappear.  They  flow  naturally  from  a  person  who, 
despite  His  obvious  humanity,  impresses  us  throughout  as 
being  at  home  in  two  worlds.  We  cannot  separate  the 
wonderful  life,  or  the  wonderful  teaching,  from  the  won- 

45 


Study  V  The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

derful  works.  They  involve  and  interpenetrate  and  pre- 
suppose each  other,  and  form  in  their  insoluble  combination 
one  harmonious  picture." — Illingworth,  Divine  Im- 
manence, pp.  88-go. 

"If  we  seek  to  express  the  rational  or  inner  congruity 
of  miracles  in  Biblical  language,  we  shall  find  this  abun- 
dantly done  for  us  in  all  that  relates  to  the  redemption  of 
man  "  (John  5:17;  3  =  35  ;  8  :  28f ;   14  :  10). 

4.     Historical  necessity  of  miracles. 

"  The  truth  is  that  the  historian  who  tries  to  construct  a 
reasoned  picture  of  the  Life  of  Christ  finds  that  he  cannot 
dispense  with  miracles.  He  is  confronted  with  the  fact 
that  no  sooner  had  the  Life  of  Christ  ended  in  apparent 
failure  and  shame  than  the  great  body  of  Christians — not 
an  individual  here  and  there,  but  the  mass  of  the  church 
— passed  over  at  once  to  the  fixed  belief  that  He  was  God. 
By  what  conceivable  process  could  the  men  of  that  day 
have  arrived  at  such  a  conclusion,  if  there  had  been  really 
nothing  in  His  life  to  distinguish  it  from  that  of  ordinary 
men  ?  Eliminate  miracles  from  the  career  of  Jesus,  and 
the  belief  of  Christians,  from  the  first  moment  that  we 
have  undoubted  contemporary  evidence  of  it  (say  a.  d.  50), 
becomes  an  insoluble  enigma." 


46 


g^^-  Mt*H«r«««» 


Bi^CKBOABD  Map.    Palestinb. 


PART  III 


The  Year  of  External    Development  and 
Great   Popularity 


Division  I. —  772^  Announcement  of  the  Kingdom  and 
its  Effect  upon  the  Religious  Rulers  and  People. 

STUDY  VI 

THE  SPECIAL  ANNOUNCEMENT  OF  THE  KING- 
DOM (John  2:  13;  4:  54;  Luke  4:  16-30). 

Jesus  is  now  fully  conscious  of  His  mission.  To  quickly 
bring  His  claims  before  the  attention  of  the  whole  country 
seems  to  be  the  first  step  in  His  plan — to  find  out  if  the 
people  are  prepared  for  His  bold  claim  as  the  true  Messiah 
and  King.     See  Chart. 

First  Day.  The  Announcement  in  Jerusalem.  (^John 
2 :  ij-22.) 
Why  should  He  appear  first  in  Jerusalem  ?  Why  cleanse 
the  Temple  ?  Aside  from  the  wrong  itself  we  believe  it 
was  done  as  a  direct  claim  to  be  the  Messiah,  and  that  the 
rulers  so  understood  it.  Read  Mai.  3  :  1-3  carefully  and 
make  your  own  conclusions.  Why  then  did  not  the  rulers 
acknowledge  Jesus  ?  He  had  stained  them  forever  in  the 
eyes  of  the  people  and  they  never  forgave  Him.     They 

47 


Study  VI  The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

tried  to  discredit  Him  by  asking  a  sign.     What  did  Jesus 
mean  by  His  reply  ? 

"  Tears  sprang  to  His  eyes,  when  He  bowed  before  the 
Ark  ;  for  the  Holy  of  Holies  lay  within  His  own  heart,  and 
all  His  nature  was  a  prayer.  His  people  slew  dumb  things 
to  pay  Heaven  a  price  for  their  sins.  He  sought  for  guilt 
in  Himself.  It  was  impossible  to  grasp  the  consciousness 
of  it.  But  at  that  solemn  Passover,  the  first  of  His  sad, 
grand  manhood.  He  offered  and  consumed  Himself.  'I 
shall  be  their  sacrifice,'  thought  He.  The  sacred  spot 
rang  with  the  rage  of  a  wild  exchange.  The  vulgarity, 
the  desecration,  the  hideousness  were  more  than  He  could 
bear.  Instantly  the  meek  worshipper  turned  into  an  out- 
raged God,  Lashing  and  pursuing,  the  swish  of  the  cord 
hissed  in  the  air,  but  sharper  the  accents  of  His  scorn. 
God's  house  your  den  !  Ye  thieves  !  " — Elizabeth  Stuart 
Phelps  f  The  Story  of  Jesus  Christ,  p.  loy. 

Second    Day.      The    Talk    with    Nicodemus.     (^John 

3  •  i-2ih 

1.  Read  2:  23-25.  Why  did  the  people  believe? 
Jesus  would  not  trust  Himself  to  this  kind  of  faith.  What 
kind  did  He  want  ? 

2.  Read  3:  i,  2.  Why  by  night?  Who  is  meant  by 
**we  know  "  ?     How  did  they  know? 

3.  Read  3 :  3-6.  What  is  key  verse  ?  The  condi- 
tion of  entrance  into  the  Kingdom  of  God  ?  The  Phari- 
sees thought  it  was  outward  observance  of  law  and  blood 
descent  from  Abraham.  Nicodemus  understood  Jesus  but 
tried  to  justify  himself.  How  ?  What  was  reply  of  Jesus  ? 
(v.  5).  "Born  of  water"  means  repentance  and  confes- 
sion, "born  of  the  Spirit  "  means  cleansed  and  quickened 
from  above — a  spiritual  recreation. 

48 


Announcement  of  the  Kingdom  Study  VI 

4.  Jesus  now  tells  Nicodemus  (vs.  6-12),  that  the  new 
birth  is  not  the  result  of  a  critical  understanding  of  pro- 
cesses, but  of  a  religious  experience  which  leads  to  positive 
knowledge — a  knowledge  to  which  both  He  and  John  bear 
witness. 

5.  Jesus  now  presents  Himself  as  the  living  embodi- 
ment of  this  great  truth  come  down  out  of  heaven 
(vs.  13-15).  He  is  both  the  Kingdom  of  God  and  the 
King  by  whom  we  enter  into  the  Kingdom.  How  is  this 
brought  about  on  the  part  of  Jesus  ;  on  our  part  ? 

Third     Day.       The    Great    Motive    of  God.     {John 
3  :  16-21.) 

1.  Probably  the  words  of  the  Apostle  John.  Cf,  with 
words  of  Jesus  (vs.  14-15).  The  Jew  expected  judgment 
and  condemnation.  Not  so,  says  John.  Christ  comes, 
why  and  for  what  purpose?  (vs.  16-17). 

2.  The  change  of  God's  motive  from  condemnation  to 
love  by  no  means  does  away  with  judgment,  it  only 
deepens  it  (v.  18).     How?  (vs.  19-21). 

Conclusion — Read  the  entire  passage,  realizing  that 
regeneration  creates  no  new  faculties  or  impulses.  It 
cleanses,  quickens,  and  directs  the  old.  Left  alone  the 
flesh  centres  around  self;  Spirit  filled,  it  centres  around 
Christ.  This  is  entering  into  the  Kingdom  of  God, — this 
is  knowing  the  King. 

Fourth  Day.  In  Samaria — The  Woman  at  the  Well. 
{John  4:  4.-26.') 
I.  Jesus  was  practically  rejected  at  Jerusalem.  They 
were  neither  ready  for  the  Kingdom  nor  the  King.  He 
therefore  leaves  the  city  and  tarries  with  John  near  ^non 
(John  3:  22-36).  See  Study  IV,  Seventh  Day.  Why 
did  He  leave  here?  (John  4  :  1-3  ;  Mark  i  :  14). 

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Study  VI  The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

2.  A  study  in  personal  work.  Note  the  adverse  con- 
ditions :  (d)  Sad  at  heart  over  His  rejection  in  Jerusalem ; 
(^)  amidst  enemies  (v.  4) ;  (/)  physical  condition  (vs. 
6-8) ;  (</)  the  woman — her  social  and  spiritual  con- 
dition. 

3.  The  message  of  Jesus  (vs.  10-15).  What  does  the 
woman  think  He  means  ?  What  kind  of  a  life  does  she 
want?  (v.  15,  last  clause).     What  does  she  really  need? 

4.  How  does  Jesus  make  her  realize  her  deep  need  ? 
(vs.  15-19).  To  what  perception  does  this  lead?  (v.  19). 
This  is  equal  to  a  confession  of  sin.  To  what  grander 
perception  does  Jesus  now  lead  her  concerning  God? 
(vs.  20-24).  Concerning  Himself?  (vs.  25,  26).  Why 
did  He  not  thus  openly  disclose  Himself  to  Nicodemus  ? 

"  The  sense  of  sin  in  the  soul  is  the  apprehension  of 
almighty  God." — Margaret  Deland. 

Fifth  Day.     In  Sychar.     {John  4 :  28-41.') 

1.  Create  the  scene.  What  does  the  woman  now  do ? 
The  result  ? 

2.  Think  deeply  on  the  reply  of  Jesus  to  the  disciples 
(vs.  31-34).  Had  Jesus  simply  forgotten  to  eat  or  is  there 
a  real  nourishment  in  spiritual  things?  Just  what  was  the 
meat  ?  (vs.  34-38).  How  is  this  related  to  the  Kingdom 
of  God  ? 

3.  Jesus  had  sown  seed  in  the  woman's  heart.  The 
harvest  was  immediate.  What  part  were  the  disciples  to 
have?  Why  did  the  people  of  Sychar  believe?  Two 
reasons.  Contrast  this  with  Nicodemus  and  people  of 
Jerusalem  (John  2  :  23).     Which  does  Jesus  accept? 

Sixth  Day.    In  Galilee  at  Nazareth.    {Luke  4 :  16-30.) 

50 


Announcement  of  the  Kingdom  Study  VI 

1.  Jesus  now  announces  Himself  to  His  fellow  towns- 
men. 

2.  Note  custom  of  Jesus.  Now  read  vs.  17-19.  Note 
the  different  aspects  of  the  ministry.  What  does  Jesus 
really  claim  for  Himself?  (v.  21);  v.  22  indicates  a  long 
discourse  not  recorded.  The  occasion  of  stumbling  ? 
Jesus  saw  that  belief  in  His  person  and  message  apart  from 
signs  and  wonders  was  impossible.  This  He  frankly  did 
not  want  (v.  23). 

3.  Whom  does  Jesus  intimate  will  accept  Him  if  they 
do  not?  (vs.  25-27).     The  effect?  (v.  28). 

4.  "  He  went  His  way."  At  Cana  He  healed  the 
nobleman's  son  (John  4:  46-54).  Some  would  identify 
this  incident  with  the  centurion's  servant  (Luke  7  :  i-io). 
The  key  verse  is  48. 

5.  From  here  He  goes  to  Capernaum,  from  whence  He 
started  perhaps  two  months  previously.  Take  the  outline 
map,  locate  the  places  visited,  and  trace  in  ink  the 
probable  route  taken  by  Jesus  in  this  journey.  Remember 
that  in  going  up  to  the  feast  the  Jews  always  followed  the 
east  bank  of  the  Jordan  to  Jericho. 

Seventh  Day.     Some  Conclusions. 

1.  The  King  has  now  called  the  attention  of  the  whole 
country  to  both  Himself  and  His  Kingdom.  What  was  the 
effect  ?  On  the  people  ?  On  the  rulers  ?  On  His  min- 
istry?    See  Chart. 

2.  Four  truths  stand  out  very  clearly  and  form  the  germ 
of  all  Christ's  future  work  and  teaching.     Master  them, 

(i)     The  nature  and  principles  of  the  Kingdom. 
God  is  a  Spirit  and   must  so  be  worshipped 
(John  4 :  24,  25).      Tlie  Kingdom   is  obedi- 
ence to  the  will  or  spiritual  laws  of  God  (John 
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Study  VI  The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

3:5;   4:  34).     It  is  righteousness  and  holi- 
ness (John  2  :  16). 

(2)  The  condition  of  membership  in  the  King- 
dom. It  involves  not  only  moral  reform  of  all 
wrongs  (the  cleansing  of  temple)  but  goes  much 
deeper  and  demands  a  confession  of  sin  and 
the  spiritual  regeneration  of  every  individual, 
self-righteous  Nicodemus  and  the  sinful  woman 
alike  (John  3:  5;  4:  17,  18). 

(3)  The  place  of  the  King  in  His  Kingdom.  Jesus 
conceives  Himself  to  be  the  "living  embodi- 
ment," the  "vital  germ"  of  His  Kingdom 
(John  4:  10-14).  See  Foreword,  the  King- 
dom. Faith  in  Him,  living  appropriation  of 
Him  alone  brings  about  the  new  birth  by  the 
Spirit  (John  3  :  13-15),  without  which  we  can- 
not  enter   into    the   Kingdom  of  God  (John 

3:  5)- 

(4)  The  method  of  bringing  in  the  Kingdom. 
By  lowly  ministry  to  the  poor,  the  oppressed, 
the  unfortunate  and  the  sinful  (Luke  4:  18); 
by  being  finally  lifted  upon  the  cross  (John 
3  :  14)  ;  and  by  rising  the  third  day  from  the 
dead  and  coming  in  the  clouds  with  spiritual 
glory  to  build  up  a  spiritual  Temple  (John 
2 :  14-22). 

Of  course  the  people  did  not  grasp  these  great  truths. 
They  were  seeds  dropped  into  the  soil,  sown  by  the  way- 
side. For  a  little  while  yet  Jesus  is  content  to  go  on  in  a 
general  way  sowing  this  seed.  One  thing  is  very  evident; 
they  are  not  ready  for  a  full  and  open  declaration  of  His 
person  and  His  plans. 


52 


STUDY  VII 

THE  GENERAL  ANNOUNCEMENT  OF  THE 
KINGDOM  AND  ITS  EFFECT 

(^Read  the  fourth  conclusion  of  last  week's  study.') 

First  Day.     The  Announcement  in  and  about  Capernaum. 

1.  Headquarters  in  Capernaum  (Matt.  4:  12-17  >  Mark 
i:  14-15).  Why  the  prophecy  in  Matthew?  The  mes- 
sage ?     Capernaum  ? 

2.  Call  of  the  four  (Matt.  4:  18-22  ;  Mark  i  :  16-20  ; 
Luke  5  :  i-ii).  Jesus  decides  to  definitely  call  these  men 
to  help  Him  with  His  work.  How  does  He  characterize 
the  call?  (Matt.  4:  19.  Cf.  Luke  5:  4-1 1).  Ponder 
vs.  8,  II. 

3.  A  day's  work  (Mark  i  :  21-34).  Note  the  intense 
activity  of  Jesus,  the  impressions  made  and  the  utterance 
of  the  devils. 

Second  Day.     The  First  Missionary  Tour  Throughout 
Galilee.     {Mark  i :  35-45.^ 

1.  The  preparation  (vs.  35-39).  Note  time  of  day. 
Why  and  where  does  He  now  go  ?  The  message  and  work  ? 
(Matt.  4:  23). 

2.  The  active  work  (vs.  40-45).  No  record  of  the  vast 
work  accomplished.  The  healing  of  the  leper  typical  of 
it.     What  moved  Jesus  to  heal  him  ? 

3.  The  Divine  disobedience.  The  leper  disobeyed 
Christ's  command.     The  result? 

Jesus  was  content  with  the  fourth  aspect  of  His  min- 
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Study  VII  The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

istry ;  the  lot  of  a  humble  evangelist  arousing  a  country 
from  its  indifference  and  sin,  ministering  to  the  lowly  and 
suffering  and  abiding  His  time  to  die  for  it. 

"No  person  who  has  felt  the  sense  of  failing  strength  or 
known  the  deeps  below  the  lowest  which  underlie  the 
desolations  of  an  invalid  life  can  ever  forget  the  preferred 
attentions  given  by  the  greatest  Master  of  human  sympathy 
to  the  prisoners  of  pain.  It  is  not  possible  for  the  superfi- 
cially gay,  the  physically  comfortable  to  rate  this  instinct 
in  the  nature  of  the  Nazarene  at  its  value." — Elizabeth 
Stuart  Phelps. 

Jesus  had  become  immensely  popular  in  Galilee.  Not 
as  the  true  Messiah,  but  more  as  a  prophet  and  healer. 
Envy  now  began  to  lift  its  venomous  head. 

"  Envy  is  the  daughter  of  Pride,  the  author  of  murder 
and  revenge,  the  perpetual  tormentor  of  Virtue.  Envy  is 
the  filthy  slime  of  the  soul ;  a  venom,  a  poison,  a  quick- 
silver, which  consumeth  the  flesh  and  drieth  up  the 
bones. " — Socrates. 

Third  Day.     The  First  Signs  of  Opposition. 

Mark  groups  several  events  that  show  this  growing 
hostility  (Mark  2  :  1-3  :  3).  They  are  topically  rather 
than  chronologically  arranged.  Studied  together  with  the 
visit  to  Jerusalem  recorded  by  John,  they  reveal  the  first 
sign  of  conflict  that  sounds  like  the  low  growl  of  a  dog 
about  to  be  deprived  of  a  bone. 

I.  The  healing  of  the  Paralytic  (Mark  2:  1-12; 
Matt.  9  :  1-8  ;  Luke  5  :  17-26).  This  event  deeply  stirred 
Capernaum.  Who  brought  this  man  to  Christ  ?  Who  had 
the  faith?  What  did  Jesus  do  to  the  man?  (v.  5).  Is 
this  what  he  wanted  ?  What  does  this  show  regarding  the 
real  purpose  of  Christ's  miracles  ? 

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Announcement  of  the  Kingdom         Study  VII 

2.  The  offence.  The  scribes  mentioned  in  v.  6  were 
a  special  committee  sent  from  Jerusalem  to  investigate  the 
teaching  of  Jesus.  What  was  the  ground  of  their  offence 
at  Jesus?  (v.  7).  Do  vs.  10-12  prove  Jesus  or  the  Jews 
to  be  right  ?  The  Lord  of  the  physical  life  is  logically  the 
Lord  of  the  spiritual  life.  Which  is  the  greater  miracle, 
to  heal  the  sinful  soul  or  the  palsied  body  ?  (v.  9). 

3.  By  what  title  does  Jesus  refer  to  Himself  in  address- 
ing the  Pharisees?  (v.  10).  (See  also  Dan.  7:  13,  14.) 
This  is  virtually  the  same  He  used  in  speaking  to  the 
woman  at  the  well  (John  4 :  25,  26),  but  is  more  ambigu- 
ous and  guarded.     Why  ? 

Fourth   Day.     The  First  Signs  of  Opposition    {Con- 
tinued). 

1.  The  choice  of  Levi  (Mark  2  :  13-17;  Matt  9 :  9-13; 
Luke  5  :  27-32).  What  do  you  know  of  this  man?  His 
social  and  religious  standing  ?  The  Pharisees  were  hor- 
rified that  Jesus  should  choose  him  as  a  disciple.  Here 
was  another  occasion  for  offence.  Did  it  cost  Matthew 
anything  to  leave  all  and  follow  Jesus?  How  did  he 
celebrate  his  becoming  a  Christian?  (Luke  5  :  29).  When 
can  a  Christian  keep  company  with  sinners  and  not  be  open 
to  censure  and  taint?  (v.  17). 

2.  The  threefold  answer  (Mark  2:  18-22).  The 
scribes  now  sought  a  new  cause  of  friction.  They  fasted 
twice  a  week,  Monday  and  Thursday.  John  followed  the 
custom.  Jesus  evidently  disregarded  it.  Here  was  open 
conflict  with  a  religious  custom.  Jesus  answered  them 
with  three  vivid  word  pictures.  They  have  a  logical  and 
growing  connection. 

(i)     The  bridegroom  (vs.  19,  20).     The  sons  of 
the  bridegroom  were  the  social  committee  for 
55 


Study  VII  The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

the  wedding  week.  How  could  they  fast? 
To  what  event  does  Jesus  allude  in  v.  20? 
The  real  law  of  Moses  required  only  one  fast 
day,  the  Day  of  Atonement.  What  effect 
would  the  death  of  Jesus  have  on  the  keeping 
of  this  day  ? 

(2)  The  old  garment  (v.  21).  Read  Luke  5  :  36. 
When  you  cannot  patch  a  thing  what  do  you 
do  with  it  ?  What  inference  must  the  scribes 
take  from  this  answer  ?  Did  Jesus  have  refer- 
ence to  the  heart  of  the  old  Mosaic  laws  or  to 
the  current  traditions  and  customs?  (Matt. 
5  ;  17).  This  is  a  vital  diflference  and  should 
be  kept  in  mind. 

(3)  The  old  wine  skins  (v.  22).  While  Jesus 
deeply  regarded  the  heart  of  the  Mosaic  law 
He  did  not  wish  to  use  it  in  its  old  form  of 
statement.  What  does  Jesus  mean  by  new 
wine  ?  Did  He  wish  either  to  perish  ?  While 
Christianity  is  Judaism  restated  with  its 
ethical  ideals  heightened  by  the  character  of 
Jesus  Christ,  it  is  more  than  this.  It  is  a 
new  regenerating  force  in  society  and  cannot 
be  contained  in  old  forms  and  customs. 
Think  deeply  upon  the  significance  of  these 
answers.  The  Pharisees  could  not  mistake 
their  meaning ;  either  they  must  give  up  their 
traditions  and  customs  or  fight  for  them. 
Which  did  they  propose  to  do? 

Fifth    Day.     Another  Pretext — The    Violation    of  the 
Sabbath. 
1.     The  plucking  of  grain   (Mark    2 :    23-28).     This 
56 


Announcement  of  the  Kingdonn         Study  VII 

event  must  have  taken  place  during  the  harvest,  May  or 
June.  See  Chart.  The  offence  ?  What  is  the  real  argu- 
ment in  the  reply  of  Jesus  ?  Supplement  Mark  with  Matt. 
12:  5-7.  Here  is  the  root  of  the  whole  difference.  The 
Jew  loved  outer  form  and  sacrifices.  Jesus  loved  inward 
purity,  mercy,  justice  and  love  which  is  true  righteous- 
ness ;  which  is  the  living  principle  of  the  new  Kingdom. 
Apply  these  principles  to  our  present  keeping  of  the 
Sabbath. 

2.  The  man  with  the  withered  hand  (Mark  3  :  1-6). 
Note  their  duplicity  in  v.  2.  The  courage  of  Jesus  (v.  3). 
Their  conscious  guilt  (v.  4).  The  result  ?  The  Herodians, 
— a  secret  party  advancing  the  interests  of  Herod.  The 
popularity  of  Jesus  had  aroused  suspicion.  Enemies  of 
each  other,  they  now  unite  on  the  death  of  Jesus.  We  can 
hardly  account  for  this  extreme  action  at  this  time  unless 
the  incident  in  John,  fifth  chapter,  intervened.  To  this 
we  now  turn. 

Sixth   Day.    In  Jerusalem  at  the  Pool  of  Bethesda. 
{Johns.) 

1.  A  feast.  Very  probably  the  Feast  of  Tabernacles. 
"  '  Bethesda,' — an  intermittent  thermal  spring  about  which 
a  pentagonal  peristyle  had  been  built  and  which  was  called 
*  House  of  Mercy.'  " — Professor  Piggs,  The  Messages  of 
Jesus,  p.  136. 

2.  The  compassion  of  Jesus,     Did  the  ruler  care? 

3.  The  offence  (v.  10).  The  penalty,  stoning.  The 
man  took  refuge  behind  Jesus ;  the  result?  (v.  16).  Jesus 
takes  refuge  behind  or  in  His  Father;  the  result?  (v.  18). 

4.  The  real  issue  is  now  plain.  Jesus  defends  His 
equality  with  God  as  follows  : 

(i)     The  Father  sent  Me  and  works  through  the 
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Study  VII  The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

Son, — because  the  Son  obeys  and  the  Father 
loves  (vs.  19,  20). 

Marvel  not,  you  will  see  greater  things :  (a) 
spiritual  quickening  (v.  21);  (5)  present 
judgment  (v.  22), — the  two  are  inseparable 
(vs.  23,  24)  j  {c)  bodily  resurrection  (v.  25) 
— why?  (v.  26);  (^)  judgment  after  death 
(v.  27), — the  two  are  inseparable  (vs.  28,  29). 
The  offer  of  spiritual  life  brings  its  own  judg- 
ment. 

(2)  The  witness  to  tliis  truth :  (a)  in  the  con- 
duct of  the  Son  (v.  30)  ;  (i)  John  the  Baptist 
(vs.  32-35);  (0  the  works  (v.  36);  (d)  the 
Father  (v.  37).  The  Father  bears  witness, 
first  by  voice  and  form  which  you  neither 
hear  nor  see  (v.  37).  Cf.  Mark  i :  11  ;  John 
14:  9;  second  by  Scripture  (vs.  38,  39), 
which  ye  do  not  know.  What  is  the  result  ? 
(v.  40).     Let  your  own  Moses  be  your  judge 

(v.  45)- 

(3)  Tlie  purpose  of  the  issue :  (a)  on  the  part  of 
the  Jews,  what  was  it?  (v.  18);  (d)  on  the 
part  of  Christ,  was  it  self-defence  or  some- 
thing deeper?  (v.  34).  The  conclusion — 
either  Jesus  is  a  mere  dreamer,  or  an  im- 
postor, or  mad,  or  the  chosen  Son  of  God. — 
See  The  Character  of  Jesus,  by  Bushnell ;  also 
The  Matt  Christ  Jesus  by  Speer. 

Seventh  Day.     Some  Conclusio7is. 

1.  The  Jews  understood  the  claim  of  Jesus  but  were 
blind  to  His  real  nature.     They  feared  and  hated  Him. 

2.  To  the  Herod ians  He  was  the  rival  of  Herod. 

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Announcement  of  the  Kingdom         Study  VII 

3.  To  the  people  He  was  a  prophet,  possibly  the 
Messiah  and  King. 

4.  All  is  confusion  and  excitement.  The  time  has  now 
come  for  a  more  definite  organization  and  teaching. 

"Christ's  bow  abode  in  strength.  He  always  stands 
erect.  He  faces  every  day's  endeavour  steadily.  And 
when  the  day  is  done,  His  forces  are  still  composed,  un- 
strained, and  free.  And  unlimited  reserves  seem  always 
at  command.  Then  watch  the  outflow  of  His  beneficence. 
By  every  sign  it  was  exhaustless.  Follow  His  endurance. 
His  patience  and  persistence  never  sagged  an  inch.    .    .    . 

"Nothing  in  Christ  was  overgrown.  The  features  of 
His  work  were  regular.  See  if  you  can  find  where  His 
blows  were  laid  too  hard,  or  where  they  fell  too  faint. 
See  if  anywhere  you  can  find  His  manner  was  extreme. 
Note  His  accents.  Study  His  choice  and  use  and  nice 
adjustment  of  ways  and  means.  Was  His  zeal  too  hot,  or 
His  spirit  too  unconcerned  ?  Watch  Him  set  and  trim  the 
balance  of  His  life." — C.  S.  Beardslee,  Teacher-Training 
with  the  Master  Teacher. 


59 


Division  II. —  The  Organization  of  the  Kingdom, 
the  Evangelization  of  Galilee  and  the  Apostles 
First  Lesso7is. 

STUDY  VIII 

THE  NUCLEUS  OF  THE  KINGDOM— THE  SELEC- 
TION OF  THE  TWELVE  APOSTLES  (Mark  3  : 
13-19;  Luke  6:  12-19). 

First  Day.     The  Reason  for  the  Choice. 

1.  The  external  reason,  {a)  Jesus  had  stirred  the 
whole  country  (Mark  3  :  7-8).  Locate  the  places  named. 
{U)  The  seed  germs  of  His  teaching  and  method  of  work 
had  been  planted.  Read  carefully  Study  VI,  Seventh 
Day.  {c')  The  result, — excitement,  political  expectation, 
suspicion  and  growing  hostility.  Read  Study  VII, 
Seventh  Day.  The  time  was  ripe  for  more  definite, 
constructive  work. 

2.  The  internal  reason.  Mark's  threefold  reason? 
(3:  14,  15).  What  would  it  mean  to  be  with  Jesus? 
(Luke  9:  18-20).  To  witness?  (Matt.  16:  17,  18).  To 
have  authority  in  the  Kingdom?  (Matt.  16:  19).  Read 
Matt  28  :  19-20.  Could  Jesus  better  train  a  select  few  or 
a  multitude  ? 

Second  Day.     The  Selection. 

A  whole  night  in  prayer  (Luke  6  :  12).  What  did  He 
pray  about?  How  does  John  17:  6,  15-19  help  you  to 
know?     A  hundred  or  more  (Luke  6:  13).     "Disciple" 

60 


The  Nucleus  of  the  Kingdom         Study  VIII 

means  learner;  " apostle, "  messenger.  Create  the  scene 
that  early  morning ;  the  anxious  expectancy  of  the  crowd. 
Did  they  all  wish  to  be  chosen  ?  How  did  the  chosen 
ones  feel  ?  Note  the  grouping  of  the  names.  Who  first  ? 
Who  last?  Why? 
Third  Day.     The  Personality  of  the  Twelve. 

1.  Read  Luke  6:  14-16.  Where  have  we  met  the 
first  seven  ?  The  others  were  obscure.  Why  not  Nico- 
demus,  a  philosopher  and  theologian ;  the  Centurion,  a 
Gentile  and  a  great  organizer ;  the  rich  young  ruler,  a 
cultured  moralist  and  a  wealthy  citizen  ? 

2.  Uneducated  but  not  illiterate.  Free  from  the 
subtle  distinctions  of  Jewish  theology.  Self-supporting, 
hard  workers.  Different  in  age,  temperament,  and  occupa- 
tion, they  possessed  one  thing  in  common.  They  were 
deeply  religious.  God-fearing,  teachable  men,  capable  of 
great  affection  and  filled  with  the  hope  of  a  coming 
Messiah.  Analyze  this  passage.  Just  what  advantage 
would  each  characteristic  give  them?  Which  do  you 
think  appealed  to  Jesus  most  ? 

3.  With  reference  Bibles  and  any  other  information, 
write  a  brief  paper  on  the  Twelve  Apostles.  Bartholomew 
and  Nathaniel  were  the  same  person.  Judas  the  son  of 
James  or  Thaddeus  or  Labbseus,  the  same. 

Fourth  Day.     The  Method  of  Training. 

While  Jesus  never  ceased  to  minister  to  and  teach  the 
multitude.  He  always  had  in  mind  the  training  and  de- 
velopment of  these  twelve  men.  In  what  four  ways  must 
He  teach  them?     Read  again  Study  VI,  Seventh  Day. 

Fifth  Day.     The  Apostles'  First  Lesson. 

I.  They  must  first  know  its  nature  and  principles,  be- 
cause they  had  a  material  conception  of  the  Kingdom. 

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Study  VII  The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

2.  The  current  idea  of  the  Kingdom. 

(i)  Its  nature  and  principles  :  A  golden  age  of 
political  supremacy  and  material  plenty;  its 
controlling  principle,  the  Mosaic  law  as  inter- 
preted by  the  Pharisees. 

(2)  The  conditions  of  membership:  Blood  de- 
scent from  Abraham  and  strict  keeping  of  the 
traditional  laws ;  the  Pharisees  were  to  enter 
first,  all  good  Jews  second  ;  publicans,  harlots 
and  Gentiles  need  not  apply. 

(3)  The  relation  of  the  King  to  His  Kingdom  :  A 
great  ruler  and  judge;  God's  Messiah  and 
King. 

(4)  The  method  of  its  coming :  Heralded  by  a 
great  prophet,  possibly  Elijah,  the  King  would 
come  suddenly  to  His  temple  (Mai.  3  :  i) ; 
on  the  clouds  with  glory  (John  1 :  51) ;  over- 
throw the  Roman  power  and  inaugurate  the 
new  rule  with  a  great  feast.  His  coming 
would  be  accompanied  with  signs  and  catas- 
trophes. 

3.  Compare  with  those  laid  down  by  Jesus  in  Study  VI, 
Seventh  Day.  Master  them.  Remember  these  things: 
(a)  The  ideas  of  Jesus  are  as  yet  unknown,  while  the  cur- 
rent idea  possessed  the  mind  of  all  Israel ;  {l>)  the  current 
idea  is  largely  one  of  Rabinnic  tradition  rather  than  that 
developed  by  Moses,  David  and  Isaiah ;  (^)  the  disciples 
had  much  to  unlearn  as  well  as  learn. 

Sixth   and   Seventh  Days.     T/ie  First  Lesson  Out- 
lined. 
In  the  first  lesson  Jesus  states  clearly  the  nature  and 
principles  of  the  new  Kingdom,  their  application  to  the 

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The  Nucleus  of  the  Kingdom         Study  VIII 

affairs  of  life  and  the  condition  of  entrance.  Become 
thoroughly  familiar  with  the  outline  and  read  rapidly  the 
entire  Sermon  on  the  Mount  (Matt.  5,  6,  7). 

Outline  of  the  Sermon  on  the  Mount 

1.  Introduction  (Matt.  5  :  1-16). 

(i)     The  blessedness  of  membership  and  joy  of 

service  in  the  Kingdom.         .  .  •     5  •  3~^2* 

(2)     Duty  of  service.     Salt  and  light.        .  .     5:13-16. 

2.  The  Theme  (Matt,  5  :  17-20). 

The  principle  of  the  Kingdom  :  the  righteousness 
of  God  in  the  souls  of  men ;  its  relation  to  the  law^, 
the  prophets  and  the  Pharisees.       .  .  •     5*  ^7~20, 

3.  The   Righteousness  of  the  Kingdom  Applied  (Matt. 

5:21-6:  34). 

(1)  To  our  relations  to  our  fellowmen.  .     5:21-47. 
Contrasted    with   Jewish  tradition,  in    respect   to 

murder  (vs.  21-26)  ;  adultery  (vs.  27-32) ;  oaths 
(vs.  33-37);  retaliation  (vs.  3S-42) ;  friendship 
(vs.  43-47).     The  result :  perfection,  .  .     5:48. 

(2)  To  our  religious  devotations. 

(a)  To  almsgiving.    The  wrong,  ostentation ;  the 

cure,  privacy.  .  .  .  .     6 :  I-4. 

{b)  To  prayer.  The  wrong,  ostentation;  the 
cure,  privacy  and  correct  prayer  in  the  right 
spirit,  .  .  .  .  .6:  5-15. 

(<•)  To   fasting.     The   wrong,  ostentation;   the 

cure,  self-denial,        .  .  .  .6:  16-18. 

(3)  To  our  material  possessions:     The  wrong, 
covetousness    and    mammon  worship :    the 

cure,  more  trust  in  God  as  heavenly  Father.  6 :  19-24. 

Illustrations :  the  birds,  and  the  lilies.         .  .  6:25-30. 

How  to  trust  God  ;  a  practical  suggestion.  .  6:  31-34. 

4.  How  to  Attain  These  Ideals  (Matt.  7  :  I-I2). 

( 1 )  Help  others.     Judge  not  the  weak ;   purify 

self.  .  .  .  .  .     7 :  i-S- 

(2)  Guard  the  Kingdom  as  a  precious  possession.     7  :  6. 

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Study  VIII         The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

(3)  Seek  help  in  prayer.  ...     7:7-11. 

(4)  Practice  the  "  Golden  Rule."  .  .7:12. 

5.  The  Way  into  the  Kingdom  (Matt.  7  :  13-27). 

(i)     The  true  way.  .  .  .  '7'-  ^3-^4- 

(2)  The  false  way.  ....     7:15-20 

(3)  The    true   way    explained:     Obedience    to 

Christ  as  the  expressed  will  of  the  Father.     7  :  21-23. 

(4)  The  true  way  illustrated  :     The  true  and  the 

false  foundation.  .  .  .  >     7  '•  24-27. 

6.  The  Effect  of  the  Sermon  (Matt.  8 :  i). 

"  But  we  are  men,  not  angels.     We  abide 
Not  on  this  earth  ;  but  for  a  little  space 
We  pass  upon  it;  and  while  so  we  pass, 
God  through  the  dark  hath  set  the  Light  of  Life, 
With  witness  for  Himself,  the  Word  of  God, 
To  be  among  us  Man,  with  human  heart, 
And  human  language,  thus  interpreting 
The  One  great  Will  incomprehensible, 
Only  so  far  as  we  in  human  life 
Are  able  to  receive  it ;  men  as  men. 
Can  we  reach  no  higher  than  the  Son  of  God, 
The  perfect  Head  and  Pattern  of  mankind. 
For  God  has  other  Words  for  other  worlds. 
But  for  this  world  the  Word  of  God  is  Christ. 
And  when  we  come  to  die  we  shall  not  find 
The  day  has  been  too  long  for  any  of  us 
To  have  fulfilled  the  perfect  law  of  Christ. 
Who  is  there  that  can  say,  <  My  part  is  done 
In  this  :  now  I  am  ready  for  a  law 
More  wide,  more  perfect  for  the  rest  of  life  '  ? 
Is  any  living  that  has  not  come  short  ? 
Has  any  died  that  was  not  short  at  last  ?  " 

— B.  Hamilton  Kiug,  The  Disciples. 


64 


STUDY  IX 

THE  PRINCIPLES  OF  THE  KINGDOM:  TEACH- 
ING BY  PRECEPT— THE  SERMON  ON  THE 
MOUNT  (Matt.  5-7  ;  Luke  6 :  20-49). 

{Get  the  outline  in  Study  VIII  well  in  mind.) 

First  Day.  The  Introduction.  {Matt.  5  : 1-16  ;  Luke 
6  :  20-26.) 

I.  The  blessedness  of  membership.  Vs.  3-12  set 
forth  the  inner  relation  of  the  disciples  to  the  Kingdom. 
They  are  to  possess  something  which  gives  true  blessedness 
and  which  depends  not  on  what  we  have  but  what  we  are. 
The  fourth  beatitude  tells  what  this  is.  Read  v.  6,  also 
5  :  20 ;  6  :  i.     What  is  it  ?     How  are  we  to  obtain  it  ? 

The  first  three  beatitudes  set  forth  the  conditions  which 
create  this  hunger  and  thirst  after  God's  righteousness : 

V.  3.  "Poor  in  spirit,"  not  spiritual  poverty  but  un- 
willingness to  rest  satisfied  with  anything  but  the  fullness 
of  God. 

V.  4.  The  word  "mourn"  means  neither  wailing  de- 
spair nor  bitterness  but  a  self-contained  grief  that  turns  the 
soul  in  all  its  helplessness  towards  God.  It  also  implies 
sorrow  for  sin.  "  Comfort"  is  more  than  sympathy  ;  it  is 
an  inflowing  power  that  sustains  and  heals  because  it  brings 
with  it  a  deepened  assurance  of  immortality.  The  sting 
of  death  is  sin,  but  the  gift  of  God  is  peace,  joy  and  life. 

V.  5.  The  word  "meek"  means  humble  minded, 
patient,  willing  to  abide  God's  time,  when  all  wrongs  shall 
be  righted  and  social  justice  shall  prevail ;  trusting  Him 

65 


Study  IX  The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

in  the  meantime  for  daily  needs.  Does  meekness  forbid 
our  protesting  against  wrong  and  striving  to  establisii 
social  justice? 

How  do  these  conditions  create  a  real  hunger  after 
God's  righteousness?  What  does  Jesus  promise  in  each 
case?  Remember  that  the  whole  sermon  is  prophetic. 
Its  fullest  realization  is  still  in  the  future. 

2.  The  joy  of  service. 

V.  6.  The  coming  of  the  Kingdom  begins  when  the 
first  soul  is  filled  with  God's  righteousness.  Such  a  man 
is  not  merely  moral,  he  is  a  positive  force,  a  real  blessing. 

V.  7.  He  is  merciful.  His  judgments  and  sympathies 
are  Godlike. 

V.  8.  He  is  pure  in  heart.  All  thoughts  and  actions 
spring  from  purest  motives ;  honesty,  unselfishness,  virtue, 
kindness. 

V.  9.  He  is  a  peacemaker.  He  strives  to  establish 
peace,  justice,  love  and  so  realize  the  brotherhood  of  man. 

V.  10.  He  is  willing  to  pay  the  price,  even  persecution. 
Note  the  reflex  action,  in  each  case,  upon  the  man  who 
possesses  such  soul  qualities.  State  them  in  your  own 
words. 

3.  Summary  of  beatitudes.  Compare  the  reward 
promised  in  v.  3,  with  that  in  v.  10.  Try  to  grasp  the 
growth  of  thought  from  one  to  the  other.  The  first  three 
beatitudes  create  a  hunger  after  righteousness.  The 
fourth  satisfies  it.  The  last  three  are  the  fruits  of  the  right- 
eousness of  God  in  the  hearts  of  men.  Where  it  exists 
in  its  fullness,  there  abounds  true  blessedness, 

4.  The  duty  of  service.  The  Kingdom  dwells  in  each 
beatitude  as  in  a  seed,  unfolding  itself  under  the  influence 
of  Jesus,  not  only  as  blessedness  in  the  individual  but  also 
as  great  formative  principles  in  human  society.     To  fail  to 

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The  Principles  of  the  Kingdom         Study  IX 

grasp  this  twofold  thought  is  to  miss  the  whole  purpose  of 
Jesus.  A  deep  natural  piety,  self-renunciation,  sympathy, 
mercy,  purity  of  heart,  justice,  peace,  toleration  ;  these  are 
the  unseen  forces  in  the  hearts  of  men  that  are  bringing  in 
the  world-wide  Kingdom.  To  possess  these  qualities  is  to 
possess  not  only  true  blessedness  but  an  outward  social 
responsibility. 

Vs.  13-16  set  forth  the  duty  of  service.  What  is  it? 
Realize  the  deep  meaning  of  salt  and  light.  Unshared 
blessedness  is  salt  without  savour ;  a  light  hid  under  a 
bushel.  Some  lights  blind,  others  only  dazzle.  How 
should  ours  shine  ? 

Now  read  the  entire  introduction  and  seek  to  realize  its 
full  meaning.  Seize  upon  the  key  word  and  hold  it  clearly 
in  your  mind.  All  the  rest  of  the  sermon  is  a  practical 
unfolding  and  application  of  this  one  word.     What  is  it? 

Second   Day.     The  Theme — The  New  Righteousness. 
{Matt.  5  .•  17-20.) 

1.  It  was  the  righteousness  of  the  law  which  was  not 
of  men  at  all  but  of  God.  Read  Deuteronomy  5  :  1-20  ; 
6:  1-9;  9:  4-6;  and  18:  15-19  (a  favourite  Messianic 
passage).  Its  aim  was  moral:  "Be  ye  holy  for  I  am 
holy." 

2.  It  was  the  righteousness  of  the  prophets.  Read 
Isaiah  55  and  56.  How  many  beatitudes  are  fore- 
shadowed in  56  :  I,  2  ?  With  the  prophet,  the  law  was 
not  only  moral,  it  was  also  ethical.  "Be  ye  kind  and 
merciful  and  just  for  so  am  I."  Read  again  Isa.  55  :  6-8. 
This  marks  a  great  advance  in  the  religious  thought  of 
Israel. 

3.  The  righteousness  of  the  law  and  the  prophets  is 
inward  and  spiritual,  and  not  outward  and  formal.     Read 

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Study  IX  The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

Isaiah  i:  10-20;  Hosea  6  :  6;  Amos  5:  21-24.  This 
marks  a  still  further  advance.  These  three  conceptions 
make  up  the  law  and  the  prophets. 

4.  Not  one  jot  or  tittle  of  such  law  was  to  be  destroyed. 
Instead,  Jesus  deepened  it  and  made  it  the  permanent  and 
controlling  principle  of  His  Kingdom. 

With  Jesus,  the  righteousness  of  the  law  and  the 
prophets  was  not  only  the  holiness  and  the  goodness  of 
God  inwardly  appropriated ;  it  was  the  whole  life  of  God 
freely  and  fully  given  to  all  who  hunger  and  thirst  after  it, 
so  that  to  live  at  all  was  to  express  God's  mind  and  heart. 
God  is  love  and  love  is  the  fulfilling  of  the  whole  law. 

Every  law  that  embodied  this  great  principle  was  to 
be  lived  and  taught.  Any  other  kind  of  law  had  no 
binding  authority  (v.  19).  Try  to  realize  the  immense 
advance  in  religious  thought  from  Deuteronomy  to  Christ. 
Contrast  with  the  superficial  idea  of  the  scribes  (Matt. 
12:  1-8;  23:  23).  Express  the  difference.  Except  ye 
possess  this  new  righteousness  ye  can  in  no  wise  enter  into 
the  Kingdom  of  Heaven. 

Third  Day.      T/ie  Righteousness  of  the  Kingdom  Ap- 
plied. 
I.     In  relation  to  our  fellow  men   (Matt.  5:  21-48). 
Determine  the  five  applications  made  by  Jesus,  their  sub- 
ject  matter,   their  principle.     Contrast  with   the  Jewish 
tradition.     Now  cf,  your  results  with  the  following  notes, 
(i)     Vs.   21-26.     Murder.     With   the   scribe,    an 
overt  act ;  with  Jesus  any  ill  will  in  the  heart. 
What  beatitudes  are  here  illustrated  ? 
(2)     Vs.  27-32.     Adultery.     Any  unchaste  look  or 
action  breaks  the  whole  law.     How  avoid  the 
awful  penalty  ?    What  beatitude  is  illustrated  ? 
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The  Principles  of  the  Kingdom         Study  IX 

Consider  the  protection  Jesus  throws  around 
woman.  How  does  lust  of  any  kind  kill  the 
religious  life  ? 

(3)  Vs.  33-37.  Oaths.  Honesty  and  truth  are 
of  the  heart. 

(4)  Vs.  38-42.  Retaliation.  The  motive,  re- 
venge—sin. Why  can  society  punish  crime? 
Why  God  ? 

(5)  Vs.  43-48.  Friendship.  Self-interest  is  not 
love,  hence  not  religion.  If  God  is  our  com- 
mon Father,  what  do  we  do  when  we  hate  any 
one,  even  an  enemy  ?  To  be  righteous  is  to 
have  God  in  us,  and  God  is  love.  To  love  as 
God  loves  is  to  be  perfect  even  as  our  Father 
in  Heaven  is  perfect.  Love  is  the  fulfilling 
of  the  whole  law.  Is  the  righteousness  of  the 
Kingdom  mere  morality  or  a  new  vital  force  ? 
If  the  former,  it  is  simply  unattainable.  If 
the  latter,  how  can  we  possess  it?  Read 
carefully  Matt.  5  :  3  and  Phil.  3:8-11. 

Fourth  Day.  The  Righteousness  of  the  Kingdom  Ap- 
plied. 
2.  In  relation  to  our  religious  life  (Matt.  6:  1-18). 
Determine  the  principle  in  v.  i.  To  what  applied?  Cf. 
the  motives  and  rewards  of  the  scribes  with  those  of 
Jesus.     Cf.  your  notes  with  the  following  : 

(i)  Vs.  2-4.  Almsgiving— any  kind  of  giving. 
Motive  of  the  scribes— self-glory ;  of  the 
Christian  — God's  glory.  Reward  of  the 
scribes— the  praise  of  men ;  of  the  Christian 
— the  approval  of  God. 
(2)  Vs.  5-15.  Prayer.  The  conditions  of  true 
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Study  IX  The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

prayer  (v.  6).  What  is  prayer?  (vs.  7-13). 
What  special  clause  in  the  Lord's  prayer  did 
Jesus  emphasize  ?  What  beatitude  does  it 
illustrate  ? 
(3)  Vs.  16-18.  Fasting.  True  fasting  is  of  the 
heart  and  not  of  the  stomach.  To  the  Chris- 
tian it  is  glad  self-denial  in  whatever  hinders 
the  deepening  of  our  own  lives.  It  carries 
with  it  its  reward  (Mark  8  :  34,  35). 

Fifth  Day.     The  Righteousness  of  the  Kingdom  Applied. 
3.     In    relation    to    our    material   possessions    (Matt. 

6 :   19-34).     Make   your   own   outline   and  of.   with  the 

following : 

(i)  The  cause  —  the  principle  involved.  The 
heart  and  conscience  always  determine  whom 
the  will  shall  serve.  Our  material  possessions 
deeply  affect  the  heart  and  conscience.  If 
we  could  get  the  right  attitude  towards 
these,  we  would  also  have  the  right  attitude 
towards  God  (vs.  19-21).  The  heart-treasure 
of  some  kind,  man  must  have.  Jesus  does 
not  deny  but  seeks  to  direct  this  passion. 
Where?  The  argument  used?  (vs.  22-23). 
Conscience — the  eye  of  the  soul.  If  our 
heart  is  fixed  upon  earthly  treasure,  how  will 
it  affect  our  moral  vision?  How  about  the 
motto  "Business  is  business  "  ?  No  man  will 
admit  that  he  has  no  conscience.  The  result 
of  a  conscience  gone  wrong  ? 

(2)  The  result  (v.  24).  No  middle  ground.  The 
alternative  ? 

(3)  The  cure  (vs.  25-34).     This  applies  alike  to 

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The  Principles  of  the  Kingdom         Study  IX 

the  rich  and  to  the  anxious  poor.  Realize 
that  God  is  your  Father,  trust  Him  (6:  25). 
Illustration — the  birds  (v.  26).  What  good 
would  worry  do?  (v.  27).  Trust  is  as  rational 
as  anxiety  and  more  so,  for  worry  kills  and 
trust  feeds  the  soul.  Have  more  faith.  Illus- 
tration— the  lilies  (vs.  28-30).  God  knows 
your    needs   and   God   is   righteousness   and 

life  (6:  33). 
Sixth   Day.     How    to  Attain    These    Ideals.      {Matt. 

1.  Help  others  (vs.  1-5).  Few  are  perfect  in  striving 
after  so  high  an  ideal.     Censure  not  but  help.     How? 

(V.  5). 

2.  Guard  the  Kingdom.     A  priceless  pearl.     How? 

(v.  6). 

3.  Pray,  ask,  seek,  knock ;  what  will  happen  ? 
(vs.  7-8).  What  is  the  rational  basis  of  prayer  ? 
(vs.  9-11). 

4.  Practice  the  "  Golden  Rule  "  (v.  12). 


Seventh   Day.     The    Way  into  the  Kingdom.     {Matt. 

7 '  13-27-) 

1.  The  true  way  (vs.  13-14).  God's  way  or  none. 
It  is  narrow  only  in  the  sense  that  it  is  purely  spiritual. 
All  must  fulfill  the  condition.     Cf.  Study  VI,  Second  Day. 

2.  The  false  way  (vs.  15-20).  (John  10:  12-14; 
14  :  6.)  Sixty-four  false  Messiahs  had  already  appeared. 
How  know  them  ? 

3.  The  true  way  explained  (vs.  21-23).  Obedience  to 
Christ  as  the  express  will  of  the  Father ;  hunger  and  thirst 

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Study  IX  The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

after  righteousness  to  the  complete  surrender  to  Christ  as 
Lord.     Self-deception  is  the  easiest  thing  in  the  world. 

4.  The  true  way  illustrated  (vs.  24-27).  Grasp  its 
vividness.  What  sure  foundation  to  build  upon  outside 
the  Divine  will  and  the  absolute  righteousness  ?  Can  the 
heart,  the  conscience,  the  reason  of  any  sane  man  be 
satisfied  with  anything  else?  Then  why  not  make  the 
complete  surrender  and  become  part  of  the  new  King- 
dom ? 

5.  The  effect  (8:  i).  Read  the  entire  sermon.  Re- 
create the  scene, — the  hungry  people,  the  commanding 
Christ,  the  marvellous  effect.  The  disciples  hardly  com- 
prehended it  all.  It  was  so  lofty,  so  spiritual,  who  could 
ever  live  it  ?  It  was  more  like  fragrant  spices  floating  on 
the  Galilean  air  than  a  practical  talk  on  daily  conduct  and 
social  relations.  One  thing  they  did  understand — they 
must  obey  their  Master.  They  could  follow  and  learn  of 
Him, — so  they  go  out  to  live  the  life  of  the  Kingdom. 


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STUDY  X 

LIVING  THE  LIFE  OF  THE  KINGDOM— TEACH- 
ING  BY  EXAMPLE  AND  PRACTICE 

First  Day.  The  Second  Missiotiary  Tour.  {Luke 
8:1-3.) 

1.  This  is  the  deep  truth  that  underlies  the  ministry 
of  Jesus,  namely :  the  disclosure  of  Himself  as  the  em- 
bodiment of  the  Kingdom  of  God  on  earth,  its  living  ex- 
ample and  power  to  help  others  to  realize  it.  Only  thus 
could  men  ever  understand  the  Kingdom  or  attain  to  it  j 
by  going  out  and  living  it  with  Christ.  In  other  words, 
the  way  into  the  Kingdom  is  through  a  living  faith  in  Him. 
To  call  out  this  faith  in  His  disciples  and  interpret  it  in 
terms  of  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven  come  on  earth  is  hence- 
forth to  be  the  great  task  of  Jesus. 

2.  Read  Luke  8 ;  1-3.  Who  accompanied  Him  ? 
Why  was  Jesus  teaching  these  women  ?  What  place  did 
they  later  have  in  His  work  ? 

Second  Day.  A  Lesson  in  Faith — The  Faith  of  the 
Centurion.     [Luke  7 ;  i—io.) 

With  the  above  principle  in  view,  determine  the  key 
thought  of  this  passage.  Why  did  the  Centurion  have 
such  faith  in  Jesus  ?  Just  what  was  this  faith  ?  What  does 
Matt.  8  :  11,  12  mean  ? 

"  God's  one  aim  is  to  teach  men  the  meaning  of  faith. 
To  this  end  He  puts  us  in  a  world  where  the  unseen  and  the 
eternal  are  veiled  from  view.     .     .     .     Faith  is  one  of  the 

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Study  X  The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

primal  laws  of  the  spiritual  universe,  always  simple,  uni- 
versal, un variable  and  immediate  in  its  operation." — 
F.  B.  Meyer. 

Third  Day.  A  Lesson  in  Compassion — The  Widow's 
Son  at  Nain.  {Luke  y  :  ii-iy.) 
Determine  the  key  thought  in  the  passage.  Who  pos- 
sessed faith  ?  Why  did  Jesus  heal  her  son  ?  To  touch 
a  bier  was  to  suffer  pollution.  How  does  this  deepen  the 
compassion  of  Jesus  ? 

Fourth  Day.     Two  More  Lessons. 

1.  A  lesson  in  method — John  the  Baptist's  Last  Mes- 
sage (Luke  7:  18-35;  Matt.  11  :  2-19).  Why  did  John 
stumble  ?  Read  Study  IV,  Sixth  Day  ;  also  Luke  7  :  33 
and  Matt.  11  :  12.  How  did  John  expect  the  Kingdom 
to  come  ?  Contrast  quick  judgments,  ascetic  habits  and 
Messianic  force  with  the  reply  of  Jesus  in  Luke  7  :  22,  23. 
Now  state  the  cause  of  John's  message.  How  would  his 
imprisonment  affect  his  judgment  of  Christ  ?  For  Christ's 
judgment  of  John  see  Study  IV,  Seventh  Day. 

2.  A  lesson  in  gratitude  (Luke  7  :  36-50).  The  first 
anointing  of  Jesus.  Create  the  scene.  Who  was  Simon  ? 
The  woman  ?  Their  relation  to  each  other  ?  To  Jesus  ? 
Why  did  she  show  such  gratitude?  What  does  Jesus  put 
under  her  gratitude  as  the  real  cause  of  her  being  saved  ? 
What  part  of  the  Sermon  on  the  Mount  does  this  illustrate? 

Fifth  Day.     A  Lesson  in  Ufibelief.     {Matt.  12  :  22-4J  ; 

Luke  II :  14-36.') 

As  light  reveals  evil  places,  so  growing  faith  calls  forth 

unbelief.     The  result  of  the  miracle  on  the  multitude? 

On   the   Pharisees  ?     How   do   the   Pharisees   evade   the 

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Living  the  Life  of  the  Kingdom  Study  X 

truth  ?  Jesus  answers  with  three  arguments.  State  thera 
in  your  own  words.  Cf.  the  last  one  with  Luke  1 1 :  21,  22. 
Reread  Matt.  12:  27,  28;  now  read  vs.  31,  32.  What 
was  their  real  sin  ?  Why  can  it  never  be  forgiven  ?  How 
do  the  Pharisees  now  seek  to  evade  the  charge  of  willful 
unbelief?  (v.  38).  Recall  the  second  temptation.  Now 
read  the  answer  of  Jesus.  Why  was  it  profitable  for  the 
disciples  to  have  such  a  lesson  ?  Cf.  the  righteousness  of 
the  Kingdom  with  that  of  the  Pharisees. 


Sixth  Day.  A  Lesson  in  True  Kinship.  {Matt. 
12  :  46-50.') 
Exclusiveness  was  a  sin  of  the  time.  Is  it  so  to-day? 
What  great  truth  does  it  violate  ?  In  answering  this  ques- 
tion, determine  the  word  most  used  by  Jesus  in  the  Sermon 
on  the  Mount  to  designate  God.  This  idea  of  God  was 
a  new  one.  On  what  real  ground  does  Jesus  rest  the 
principle  of  brotherhood  in  the  new  Kingdom  ?  (cf.  Matt. 
12  :  50  with  Mark  3  :  35).  Which  has  the  deeper  insight? 
Does  this  idea  of  kinship  violate  the  family  ties  ?  Give 
your  reason. 

Seventh  Day.     Some  Conclusions. 

1.  Grasp  the  thought  in  each  day's  lesson.  How  varied 
the  teaching  !  How  was  it  calculated  to  call  forth  deeper 
fruit  ?  Is  your  fruit  deepening  ?  If  not,  why  ?  Faith 
begins  with  love  and  obedience. 

2.  Study  the  Chart,  and  observe  the  growing  popularity 
of  Jesus  marked  by  the  rise  of  line. 

3.  Observe  the  gradual  but  gentle  putting  forth  of 
the  higher  claims  of  Jesus.  What  grandeur !  What 
humility  ! 

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Study  X  The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

4.  Dwell  much  upon  the  breadth  of  His  purpose  and 
sympathies. 

"  Don't  let  your  doubts  trouble  you  too  much ;  and 
don't  feel  that  you  have  got  to  resolve  them  all.  Often 
the  best  thing  you  could  do  with  your  doubts  is  to  hang 
them  up  to  dry.  Then  when  a  good  time  comes,  you  can 
take  them  down  again  to  look  at.  In  many  cases,  you'll 
find  that  somehow  they've  settled  themselves." — Horace 
BusJuielL 

"We  feel  that  a  new  being  is  taking  part  in  human 
affairs.  There  is  a  native  tone  of  grandeur  and  authority 
in  His  teaching.  He  speaks  as  a  being  related  to  the 
whole  human  race.  A  narrower  sphere  than  the  world 
never  enters  His  thoughts.  You  never  hear  from  Jesus 
that  pompous,  swelling,  ostentatious  language  which 
springs  from  an  attempt  to  sustain  a  character  above  our 
powers.  He  talks  of  His  glories  as  one  to  whom  they  are 
familiar.  He  speaks  of  saving  and  judging  the  world,  of 
drawing  all  men  to  Himself,  and  of  giving  everlasting  life 
as  we  speak  of  the  ordinary  powers  which  we  exert." — 
Channing. 


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STUDY  XI 

ILLUSTRATING  THE  KINGDOM:  TEACHING 
BY  PARABLES— THE  PARABLES  BY  THE 
SEA  (Matt.  13:  1-53). 

Having  listened  to  the  deep  principles  of  the  Kingdom 
and  having  seen  them  actually  realized  in  many  ways,  the 
disciples  are  now  ready  for  further  teaching.  Upon  this 
occasion  Jesus  uses  parables.  A  parable  is  a  word  picture 
in  which  a  well  known  fact  is  used  to  illustrate  a  truth. 
The  parables  in  this  section  all  illustrate  some  feature  of 
the  Kingdom.  They  have  remarkable  literary  unity.  A 
parable  has  two  advantages  :  it  tells  a  great  truth  without 
telling  the  whole  truth — that  is  any  more  than  those  who 
hear  are  able  to  understand.     Now  read  Matt.  13:  10-17. 

First  Day.     The  Parable  of  the  Sower. 

The  principle  of  development  (Mark  4 :  25-29).  In 
what  way  was  the  Kingdom  to  develop? 

Unequal  development  (Matt.  13  :  1-9).  Why  is  the 
growth  unequal  ?  Give  the  four  reasons.  Now  study  the 
interpretations  in  vs.  18-23.  Cf.  Mark  4:  13-20.  Jesus 
had  been  sowing  seed  and  this  parable  reveals  the  growth 
of  the  Kingdom  thus  far. 

Second    Day.     The    Parable    of   the   Tares.     {Matt. 
13:  24-30.) 
Why  do  the  good  and  bad  thrive  together  ?     Can  you 
give  two  possible  reasons  why  the  bad  are  not  rooted  up  ? 

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Study  XI  The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

Now  study  the  interpretation  in  vs.  36-43.  Express  it  in 
your  own  words.  What  might  these  two  parables  explain 
in  the  lives  of  the  different  disciples  ? 

Third  Day.     The  Parable  of  the  Mustard  Seed. 

The  extensive  growth  (Matt.  13:  31,  32).  What  kind 
of  a  seed  was  it?  Its  growth  in  oriental  countries  was 
phenomenal.  With  what  tree  in  our  country  can  we  best 
compare  it  ?  What  can  we  hope  for  the  future  of  the 
Kingdom  ?     Its  universality  ? 

Fourth    Day.     The  Parable    of  the   Leaven.     {Matt. 

^3- 33) 
The  intensive  growth  and  transforming  power  of  the 
Kingdom.  Only  one  verse  but  how  instructive.  Just 
what  does  leaven  do  ?  Of  what  is  leaven  a  symbol  ? 
Who  constitutes  leaven  ?  Let  your  mind  dwell  at  length 
on  the  transforming  power  of  the  Kingdom.  Try  to 
realize  the  extent  of  the  lump  that  needs  to  be  leavened. 

Fifth  Day.  The  Hidden  Treasure  and  the  Pearl  of 
Great  Price.  {Matt,  ij  :  44-46.) 
What  great  fact  regarding  the  Kingdom  do  these 
parables  set  forth  ?  What  statements  in  the  Sermon  on 
the  Mount  do  they  illustrate?  Dwell  upon  the  great  value 
of  the  Kingdom.  Express  it  in  your  own  words.  The 
hidden  treasure  represents  the  unseen  laws  of  God's  uni- 
verse both  physical  and  spiritual.  To  discover  and  obey 
these  is  to  possess  a  pearl  of  great  price.  They  were  all 
present  in  Christ. 

Sixth    Day.      The  Parable  of  the  Drag  Net.     {Matt. 

13  '■  47-50.  ^ 
Why  do  self-seeking  men  get  into  the  Kingdom  ?     How 
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Illustrating  the  Kingdom  Study  XI 

will  God  sift  them  out  ?  How  is  the  Church  constantly 
being  sifted  ?  Read  again  vs.  36-43.  What  is  really 
meant  by  fire?  Are  the  judgments  of  God  ever  arbitrary? 
How  do  you  answer  v.  51  ?  Do  you  hold  all  that  is  valu- 
able in  the  old  and  reach  out  after  that  which  is  valuable 
in  the  new  ? 

Seventh  Day.      The  Kingdom  ami  the  King. 

Make  a  hurried  review  of  the  last  three  lessons.  Try 
to  realize  how  clearly  Jesus  has  sought  to  reveal  the  true 
nature  of  the  Kingdom.  To  what  extent  do  you  think 
the  multitudes  and  the  disciples  grasped  the  message? 
Note  also  how  very  little,  comparatively,  Jesus  has  said 
about  the  real  relation  of  the  disciples  in  the  Kingdom  to 
the  King.  Can  we  now  anticipate  such  deeper  self-revela- 
tion ? 

"  Let  knowledge  prow  from  more  to  more 
But  more  of  reverence  in  us  dwell  ; 
That  mind  and  soul,  according  well. 
May  make  one  music  as  before, 
But  vaster." 

■—Tennyson. 


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Division  HI. — The  King  Precipitates  a  Crisis  at 
Capernaum. 

STUDY  XII 

THE   PASSION   FOR   THE  KINGDOM  AND  THE 
APPROACHING  CRISIS 

Following  the  feeding  of  the  five  thousand,  Jesus  spoke 
plainly  of  the  spiritual  nature  of  His  Kingdom,  and  of 
Himself  as  the  way  into  the  Kingdom.  The  result  was  a 
severe  crisis.  We  will  now  study  the  causes  which  lead  to 
the  crisis ;  also  the  wonderful  passion  which  Jesus  had  for 
the  Kingdom  and  His  method  of  imparting  it  to  others. 

First  Day.     A  Lesson  on  Faith. 

1.  Stilling  the  tempest  (Mark  4:  35-41;  Matt.  8: 
23-27;  Luke  8  :  22-25).  Jesus  had  tried  to  teach  them 
faith  in  His  Divine  power  and  compassionate  desire  to  use 
that  power.     Have  they  faith  in  either?  (vs.  38,  41). 

2.  The  Gadarene  demoniac  (Mark  5  :  1-20 ;  Matt. 
8  :  28-34 ;  Luke  8  :  26-39).  Glance  over  Mark.  Note 
the  confession  of  the  demoniac,  the  gross  materialism  of 
the  people  and  the  desire  of  the  healed  man  for  service. 

See  articles  on  '*  demons  "  in  Hastings  Bible  Dictionary 
and  ihQ  Dictiojiary  of  Christ  and  the  Gospels.  One  thing 
is  certain.  Christ  recognized  their  real  presence  and  His 
mission  to  destroy  their  power  in  order  to  the  setting  up 
of  His  own  Kingdom.  They  were  always  associated  with 
physical  disease  and  sin.  Modern  psychology  has  much 
to  say  in  regard  to  their  possession  of  the  "  subliminal 

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The  Passion  for  the  Kingdom         Study  XII 

consciousness,"  hence  their  superior  knowledge  of  Christ's 
real  identity. 

Second  Day.  Jairus'  Daughter.  {Alark  $:  21-43 ; 
Luke  8  :  40-^6.) 

1.  The  multitude  is  becoming  a  hindrance  (Mark  5  : 
24,  31).  They  emphasize  the  miracles  and  prevent  deeper 
teaching.  They  arouse  suspicion  of  insurrection.  Why 
is  it  time  for  a  general  sifting  ? 

2.  The  woman's  faith.  Cf.  with  disciples  in  First 
Day.     What  light  on  the  character  of  Jesus?  (v.  30). 

3.  The  selection  of  the  three.  Why  did  Jesus  choose 
these  particular  three  ?     What  other  occasions  ? 

4.  The  two  miracles.  How  are  they  well  attested? 
Why  keep  it  silent  ?     What  power  is  here  claimed  ? 

Third  Day.  Rejected  Again  at  Nazareth.  {Mark  6  : 
1-6;  Matt.  13:54-58.-) 

Determine  cause  of  unbelief;  cf.  with  above  lesson. 

"  Both  theological  and  scientific  thought  has  led  to  a 
position  where  belief  in  the  actuality,  in  the  career  of 
Jesus,  of  what  is  known  as  miracles  is  made  possible  if  not 
inevitable.  It  is  scarcely  too  much  to  affirm  that  a  belief 
in  these  occurrences  as  vital  parts  of  the  Christian  revela- 
tion is  rising,  compared  with  which  all  previous  belief  is 
feeble  and  superficial.  This  consummation  is  being  pre- 
pared for  in  modern  conceptions  of  the  Order  of  Nature, 
of  Human  Personality,  and  of  the  Divine  Being." — 
Art.  Diet.  Christ  aud  the  Gospels,  Vol.  2,  p.  186. 

Fourth  Day.       The   Missiojiary   Spirit  of  Jesus — The 
Twelve  Sent  Out.     {Matt,  g  :  35-11 :  i.) 
I.     The  source  of  the  passion  (9 :  35-36).     What  is 
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Study  XII  The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

it?  "Fainted  and  scattered," — "harrassed,  cast  down, 
bewildered  by  those  who  should  have  taught  them  " 
{Alleti).  Cf.  with  our  home  and  foreign  fields.  Jesus  is, 
Himself,  filled  with  the  passion  (v.  35).  How  does  He 
impart  it?  Three  ways  (vs.  2>^,  37,  38  and  10:  1-5). 
What  are  they?  Now  compare  with  following:  Learn  the 
great  need,  pray  about  it  and  listen  for  a  personal  call. 

2.  Another  source.  The  particular  field  (v.  6).  Your 
wonderful  message  (vs.  7,  8).  Service  begets  passion; 
giving  only  lets  more  of  Christ  in.  The  Dead  Sea  has  no 
outlet. 

Fifth   Day.     The  Directions  to  the   Twelve.     {Matt. 

10:9-33-') 
Make  your  own  outline  and  compare  — 

1.  The  equipment  (vs.  9-15).     What  is  it? 

2.  The  dangers  (vs.  16-23).     What  are  they? 

3.  The  strength  (vs.  19-20).  What  is  it?  Also 
vs.  24-33. 

4.  The  great  danger  pointed  out  (vs.  34-39).  What 
is  it? 

5.  The  reward  (vs.  40-42).  What  is  it?  Read  again 
9:  35  and  II  :  i. 

The  example  and  spirit  of  the  King  is  the  secret  source 
of  the  passion  for  His  Kingdom.  Dwell  prayerfully  upon 
this  wonderful  passion  for  souls.  The  sublime  pathos  of 
this  incident  is  heightened  in  the  light  of  the  crisis  soon  to 
follow. 

Sixth  Day.     Herod's  Notice  of  Jesus  mid  Death  of  the 
Baptist.     {Mark  6  :  14-29  ;  Matt.  14 :  1-12  ;  Luke 

9  ■  7-9-) 
I.     Read  Luke  9  ;  7-9.     Herod's  conception  of  Christ  ? 
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The  Passion  for  the  Kingdom         Study  XII 

Cf.  Study  VII,  Fifth  Day.  Emboldened  by  John's  death 
what  might  he  do?  See  Luke  13:  31-32.  Read 
John  6:  15.  It  is  possible  that  this  movement  was  al- 
ready on  foot  and  that  both  Jesus  and  Herod  knew  of  it. 
Simon  the  Zealot  may  have  been  a  ringleader  of  it.  Why 
would  the  Jewish  ruler  find  it  of  advantage  to  encourage 
this  movement?  Why  was  it  necessary  for  Jesus  to 
speedily  reveal  the  nature  of  the  Kingdom  and  His  own 
place  in  it?  See  also  Second  Day,  Sec.  i.  Read  Matt. 
14:  1-12.     What  effect  would  v.  12  have? 

2.  Read  Mark  6:  14-29.  Contrast  the  voluptuous 
sensuality  of  Herod's  court  with  the  severe  righteousness 
of  John  and  the  broad  deep  sympathies  and  pure  life  of 
Jesus.  How  would  you  characterize  Herodias  and  her 
daughter?  Was  Herod  justified  in  keeping  his  oath? 
AVhy?  (Matt.  5  :  33-37).  Is  the  crj^stal  purity,  the  sin- 
less perfection  of  Jesus  beginning  to  possess  you  ? 

Seventh  Day.     Some  Conclusions. 

Gather  up  the  threads  of  each  day's  teaching.  View 
them  first  in  the  light  of  the  approaching  crisis ;  second, 
in  the  light  of  Christ's  higher  claims  upon  your  own  char- 
acter and  service.  Read  thoughtfully  the  following  taken 
from  The  Man  Christ  Jesus  by  Speer,  p.  12"/.  The  poem 
is  by  Sidney  Lanier. 

"For  the  very  idea  of  such  a  character  one  might  well 
let  himself  be  branded  or  broken  on  the  wheel ;  and  the 
man  that  would  laugh  or  mock  at  it  is  certainly  mad.  He 
whose  heart  is  in  the  right  place  must  even  lie  low  in  the 
dust,  and  worship  and  rejoice.  *  Unquestionably  the 
moral  image  of  Jesus,  even  if  regarded  as  nothing  more 
than  an  idea,  is  the  noblest  and  dearest  possession  of  hu- 
manity; a  thing,  surely,  for  which  a  man  might  be  willing 

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Study  XII  The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

to  live  or  to  die.  For  this  idea  is  the  noblest  to  which,  in 
religion  or  in  morals,  the  mind  of  man  has  ever  attained. 
It  is  the  crown  and  glory  of  the  race ;  it  is  the  holy  place 
in  which  the  moral  consciousness  may  find  refuge  from  the 
corruption  of  every-day  life.  The  man  who  would  know- 
ingly stain  or  becloud  this  idea  would  be  a  blasphemer 
against  the  majesty  of  the  divinely  begotten  human  spirit, 
in  its  fairest  and  purest  manifestation '  ( Ullmami,  The 
Sinlessness  of  Jesus,  pp.  77,  /c?).  All  other  manifestations 
are  marked  by  flaw  and  failure.     .     .     ." 

"  But  Thee,  but  Thee,  O  Sovereign  Seer  of  Time, 
But  Thee,  O  poet's  Poet,  wisdom's  Tongue, 
But  Thee,  O  man's  best  Man,  O  love's  best  Love, 
O  perfect  Life  in  perfect  labour  writ, 
O  all  men's  Comrade,  Servant,  King,  or  Priest, — 
What  if  or  yet,  what  mole,  what  flaw,  what  lapse,_ 
What  least  defect  or  shadow  of  defect. 
What  rumour,  tattled  by  an  enemy, 
Of  inference  loose,  what  lack  of  grace, 
Even  in  torture's  grasp,  or  sleep's  or  death's, — 
Oh,  what  amiss  may  I  forgive  in  Thee, 
Jesus,  good  Paragon,  Thou  Crystal  Christ  ?  " 


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STUDY  XIII 

THE  HEART  OF  THE  KINGDOM  AND  THE 
CRISIS  AT  CAPERNAUM  (Matt.  14:  13-15:  20; 
Mark  6  :  30-7  :  23  ;  Luke  9  :  10-17  ;  John  6:  1-15). 

First  Day.     The  Feeding  of  the  Five  Thousand. 

1.  Read  all  four  accounts,  answering  the  following 
questions :  {a)  Why  did  Jesus  seek  the  desert  place  ? 
{b)  Why  did  the  multitude  follow  ?  {c)  Why  did  He 
feed  them  ?  {d)  What  is  the  significance  of  the  time  of 
year?  (John  6  :  4,  5). 

2.  Cf.  your  answers,  (a)  To  get  away  from  Herod 
(Matt.  14:  13);  to  be  alone  with  the  disciples  (Mark 
6:  30,  31);  and  to  gather  together  the  passover  crowds 
outside  the  city  (John  6  :  4-6).  {b)  Read  John  6  :  2. 
{c)  Out  of  compassion  for  their  hunger  (John  6  :  5)  ;  to 
test  the  faith  of  disciples  (John  (>:(>)',  and  to  form  a  basis 
for  more  spiritual  teaching  concerning  Himself  and  the 
Kingdom,  {d')  Jesus  undoubtedly  sought  to  associate 
Himself  with  the  passover  meal  or  sacrifice. 

Second  Day.     The  Miracle  {Continued'). 

I.  Read  above,  Sec.  2.  Contrast  faith  of  Jesus  with 
helplessness  of  the  disciples  (Mark  6 :  34-38 ;  John 
6  :  7-9).  What  did  it  require  for  each  disciple  to  start 
out  with  his  little  portion  of  bread?  "  How  many  loaves 
have  ye?"  What  part  did  the  disciples  have?  What 
limit  is  there  to  Christ's  power  to  feed  the  world  to-day  ? 
"  A  good  book  is  a  loaf  of  bread  ;  the  printing  press  the 

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Study  XIII         The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

miracle   of   the    loaves   and  the  fishes"  (^Victor  Hugo). 
Apply  this  to  the  Bible  and  missionary  forces. 

2.  The  effect  on  the  crowd  (John  6 :  14,  15).  Read 
Isa.  25  :  6-9  ;  Study  VIII,  Sixth  Day.  What  would  have 
happened  if  Jesus  had  yielded  to  their  demand  ?  What 
temptation  here  presents  itself?  What  prompt  action  is 
now  necessary  ? 

Third   Day.     The  Discourse  on  the  Bread  of  Life. 
{John  6 :  22-yi.') 

1.  On  the  water.  The  key  to  this  incident  is  Mark 
6:  52.  Faith  in  Christ's  power  over  the  forces  of  nature 
is  fundamental.  It  must  underlie  both  His  power  to  rise 
from  the  dead  and  to  impart  Himself  as  life  to  others. 
See  Study  X,  Seventh  Day,  also  XII,  Third  Day. 

2.  The  occasion  (John  6;  22-27).  ^^y  did  they 
seek  Jesus?  Three  reasons  (John  6:  2,  14,  15,  26). 
Does  Jesus  really  mean  that  men  are  not  to  seek  Him  for 
health,  freedom  and  prosperity  ?  Read  Matt.  6 :  33. 
What  is  Christianity  doing  for  the  world  to-day  ?  What 
does  Jesus  now  offer  them  ?  (John  6 :  27). 

Fourth  Day.      The  Bread  of  Life  (  Continued  ). 
Read  rapidly  vs.  26-71.     Make  a  brief  outline.     Cf. 
with  following  : 

I.     Jesus  offers  the  new  bread  as  meat  which  the  Father 
has  authorized   Him  to  give  (v.   27),  tells  them  its  real 
nature,  its  source,  its  power  and  how  they  are  to  possess  it. 
(i)     Its  nature  :   Abiding  (v.  27),  not  like  manna  in 
that  it  is  spiritual,  but  like  manna  in  that  it 
came  from  Heaven  (vs.  2iZ^   34).     It  is  also 
personal ;  giving  eternal  life  (v.  35). 
(2)     Its  source :  My  Father  (v.  32). 
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The  Heart  of  the  Kingdom  Study  XIII 

(3)  Its  power :  It  satisfies  all  hunger  (v.  35)  and 
assures  the  resurrection  life  (v.  40). 

(4)  How  to  possess  it :  Work  for  it  (v.  27). 
How?  By  believing  on  Christ  (v.  29).  Aids 
to  believing ;  the  miracle,  the  personal  Christ 
and  the  Father's  help  (vs.  35-39). 

Fifth  Day.     The  Bread  of  Life  (^Continued). 

2.  The  Jews  object  to  claims  of  Jesus.     He  answers 
by  repeating  His  offer  and  explaining  it  (6  :  41-51). 

(i)     The  objections.     To  the  source  (v.  41).     The 

reason,  His  physical  origin  (v.  42). 
(2)     The  reply.     Jesus   replies   by  explaining  the 
above  statements.     Cf.  Fourth  Day,  Sections 
(4)  and  (i). 
(a)     How  to  possess  it.     Did  not  I  tell  you 
that    the    Father    must   draw    you. 
Human  knowledge  and  desires  can- 
not produce  faith  (v.  44).     Let  your 
Scripture  aid  you  to  faith  (v,  45). 
I  repeat  it  (v.  47). 
(Ji)    Its  nature.     It  is  personal  (v.  48)  and 
does   give   life    (vs.   49-50)   and   is 
bound  up  in  my  living  personality 

(V.  51). 

3.  1  The  Jews  strenuously  object.     Jesus  only  repeats 
His  offer  and  then  interprets  it. 

(i)  The  objection.  How  can  this  man  give  us 
His  flesh  to  eat  ? 

(2)     The    reply.     Jesus    replies   it   must   be   and 

states   the   alternative   (v.   53);   reaffirms  its 

power  (vs.  54,  55)  and  states  again  how  to 

possess  it ;  by  appropriation,  indwelling  each 

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Study  XIII         The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

the  other  (v.  56).     Once  again  Jesus  asserts 
its  power  because  it  is  all  from  the  Father 
tlnough  the  Son  (vs.  57,  58). 
(3)     The  explanation.     Ye  shall  understand  after 
My  resurrection  (v.  62).     This  is  a  spiritual 
truth,  figuratively  stated  (v.  S^) ;  not  an  un- 
derstanding of  processes  but  a  right  heart  is 
necessary  for  its  real  appropriation  (v.   64). 
You  can  know  only  as  you  try  it  by  the  Spirit's 
aid    (vs.    65).     Read   John    3:  1-16.     Now 
read  the  entire  passage  and  write  down  just 
what  you  think  Jesus  was  trying  to  say.     Cf. 
it  with  the  following  paraphrase  : 
The  people  followed  Jesus  because  they  thought  He  was 
going  to  set  up  a  Kingdom  that  would  satisfy  only  political 
ambition  and  bodily  needs.     But  it  was  a  Kingdom  of 
righteousness.     Blessed   are  they  that  hunger  and  thirst 
after  righteousness  for  they  shall  be  filled.     The  deepest 
hunger  of  the  soul  is  the  hunger  after  the  life  of  God. 
This  life  God  has  communicated  through  His  Son.     He  is 
the  living  bread,  the  righteousness  of  God  in  fleshly  form. 
To  believe  in  Him,  to  love  Him,  to  obey  Him,  to  seek 
constant  fellowship  with  Him,  this  is  to  appropriate  Him, 
to  feed  on  Him.     Thus  all  that  is  pure,  holy  and  Divine 
in  Him,  He  will  communicate  to  you  ;  this  is  Eternal  Life. 
But  as  bread  must  be  broken  and  flesh  sacrificed  before  it 
can  really  be  partaken  of  (v.  62),  so  must  the  Son  of  Man 
ascend  where  He  was  before.     He  must  be  spiritually  dis- 
cerned and  appropriated  (v.  63),  but  because  of  the  evil 
tendencies  in  some  of  your  hearts  ye  must  be  born  of  the 
Spirit  (vs.  64,  65). 

4.     The  result  upon  the  disciples  ?     Upon  the  Twelve  ? 
Consider   the  answer  of  Peter.     Just  how  is  this  true? 

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The  Heart  of  the  Kingdom  Study  XIII 

Did  Peter  know  this  by  intellectual  grasp  or  by  a  deepen- 
ing heart  experience  ?  All  saw  clearly  the  spiritual  nature 
of  Christ's  teaching. 

Sixth   Day.     The  Final  Break  with  the  Pharisees  over 
Unwashen   Hands.      (Matt,  ij  :  1-20 ;   Mark  7: 

1-23  ■') 

This  commission  from  Jerusalem  had  doubtless  been 
watching  and  listening  to  Jesus  during  the  preceding 
events.  With  fiendish  glee  they  saw  the  multitudes  turn 
away  in  disappointment  and  disgust  from  this  dreamer. 
Now  is  their  opportunity.  If  they  can  only  discredit  Jesus 
as  a  lawbreaker,  His  defeat  is  certain. 

Read  Mark  7 :  1-4.  What  was  the  custom  of  the 
Pharisees?  What  is  the  accusation?  In  vs.  6-13, 
Jesus  answers  with  a  counter  charge  and  then  in  vs.  14-23 
sets  forth  by  a  vivid  figure  of  speech  the  fundamental  dif- 
ference between  His  teaching  and  that  of  the  Pharisees. 
Try  to  realize  this  wide  difference.  Does  it  explain 
Matt,  5:  17-20?  Read  Matt.  15:  12-14.  What  is  the 
inevitable  result  ?  The  cleavage  is  deep  and  final.  Why 
cannot  the  Pharisees,  as  such,  enter  into  the  Kingdom  of 
Heaven  ? 

Seventh  Day.     Summary  of  the  Week's  Study. 

Read  Mark  6:  31,  53-56;  also  John  6  :  66,  67.  Try 
to  realize  what  has  happened.  Instead  of  a  wonder 
worker,  healer  and  temporal  king,  what  do  the  people  find 
Jesus  to  be  ?  The  Pharisees  also  find  their  time-honoured 
traditions  and  customs  ruthlessly  set  aside  for  a  deep 
spiritual  truth  they  frankly  do  not  desire  to  possess.  What 
was  the  result  in  each  case?  Realize  the  tragedy  and 
pathos  of  it  all.     What  does  it  mean  for  the  world  to  turn 

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Study  XIII  The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

away  from  Jesus  ?  The  Twelve,  bewildered  and  hesitat- 
ing, turn  to  Him.  They  do  not  understand  Him ;  they 
only  love  Him.  He  satisfies  them.  Read  again  John  6  : 
22-71.  Just  what  was  Jesus  offering  the  world?  Just 
what  does  the  world  need,  to  accept  that  offer? 

"The  suffering  Saviour,  lovingly  known,  and  through 
His  wounds  letting  out  His  life  into  the  starved  lives  of 
those  who  hold  Him  fast,  that  is  the  Gospel.  It  is  not 
what  church  you  belong  to  or  what  work  you  do,  but  what 
you  know  of,  how  deeply  you  are  fed  by  Him — the  suffer- 
ing Saviour.     That  is  the  question  for  the  soul. 

"Before  His  cross  the  lesson  must  be  learned.  Stand 
there  until  you  are  grateful  through  and  through  for  such 
a  love  so  marvellously  shown.  Let  gratitude  open  your 
life  to  receive  His  Spirit;  let  it  make  you  long  and  try  to 
be  like  Him  ;  let  love  bring  Him  into  you  so  that  you 
shall  do  His  will  because  you  have  His  heart.  That 
entrance  of  His  life  into  you  shall  give  you  strength  and 
nourishment  you  never  knew  before.  Then  you  shall 
know  in  growing,  dependent,  delighted  strength,  more 
and  more  every  day,  the  answer  to  the  old  ever  new 
question,  '  How  can  this  man  give  us  His  flesh  to  eat? '  " 
— Bishop  Phillips  Brooks. 


90 


STUDY  XIV 

REVIEW  AND  SUMMARY 

First  Day.     Studies  I  and  II. 

1.  Review  the  authenticity,  date,  purpose  and  chief 
characteristics  of  each  Gospel, 

2.  Master  the  geography.     Make  your  own  map. 

3.  Master  the  chronology.     Study  the  Chart. 

Second  Day.     Studies  III  to  V. 

Read  Luke's  account  of  early  years,  write  a  sketch  of 
John  the  Baptist  and  review  the  meaning  of  the  events  to 
Study  V. 

Third  and  Fourth  Days.     Studies  VI  to  XI. 

1.  Master  the  conclusions  in  Studies  VI  and  VII,  the 
reasons  for  choosing  the  Twelve  and  the  current  idea  of 
the  Kingdom  in  Study  VIII. 

2.  Read  rapidly  the  Sermon  on  the  Mount  as  the 
"Constitution  of  the  Kingdom,"  also  the  introduction  to 
Study  X,  and  try  to  realize  the  development  of  Christ's 
teaching. 

3.  Determine  the  thought  of  each  parable. 

Fifth  and  Sixth  Days.     Studies  XII  to  XIII. 
Write  a  brief  paper  on  the  "  Capernaum  Crisis." 

Seventh  Day.     Some  Co7iclusions. 

I .     The  plan  of  Jesus :  to  slowly  press  His  claims  as 
91 


Study  XIV         The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

Messiah  and  Saviour.  To  do  this  He  establishes  a  new 
moral  and  spiritual  order  known  as  the  "Kingdom  of 
God."  Only  those  who  come  into  a  living  relation  of 
faith  in  Him  can  enter.  Righteousness,  love,  service  and 
sacrifice  are  to  be  the  controlling  principles.  It  is  to 
affect  all  relations,  include  all  people  and  comprehend  all 
ages. 

2.  The  method  of  Jesus.  First,  He  called  about  Him 
a  select  group ;  in  these  He  sought  to  inspire  faith,  reveal 
the  deeper  meaning  of  the  Kingdom  and  to  impart  His 
missionary  spirit.  Second,  the  seed  truths  dropped  in 
Lesson  VI,  have  been  slowly  developed  in  Galilee.  They 
are  to  be  further  developed  in  and  about  Jerusalem,  where 
the  supreme  step  in  the  development  takes  place.  Read 
Foreword,  "The  Kingdom."  For  this  step  His  disciples 
must  be  especially  prepared. 

3.  The  teaching  of  Jesus.  Thus  far  the  emphasis  has 
been  put  upon  the  Kingdom,  from  now  on  it  will  be  upon 
the  conditions  of  membership,  the  real  nature  and  claims 
of  the  King,  and  upon  suffering,  death  and  resurrection  as 
the  only  way  of  achieving  the  Kingdom.  See  Study  VI, 
Seventh  Day.  The  first  He  addresses  mostly  to  the  peo- 
ple in  Perea ;  the  second  mostly  to  the  Jewish  rulers  in 
Jerusalem ;  the  third  to  the  disciples  in  private. 


92 


BLAciiBOABD  Map.    Pai^estinb. 


PART  IV 


The    Year    of  Internal  Development  and 
Growing  Hostility 


Division  I. —  The  King  Retires  with  the  Twelve  Into 
Northern  Galilee,  Where  He  Deepens  the  Apos- 
tles' Faith  and  Reveals  His  Plan  for  Attaining 
His  Kingdom. 

STUDY  XV 

THE  CORNER-STONE  OF  THE  KINGDOM  AND 
THE  VISION  OF  ITS  ULTIMATE  TRIUMPH 
(Matt  15-18  ;  Mark  7-9  ;  Luke  9). 

First  Day.  The  Retirement.  {Matt.  13  :  21 ;  Mark 
7:24.) 

1.  Study  Chart :  note  characteristics  of  period. 

2.  Reasons  for  withdrawal,  (a)  To  get  out  of  Herod's 
territory  (Mark  8  :  15).  {b)  To  be  alone  with  His  dis- 
ciples. Trace,  in  ink,  the  route  (Mark  7  :  24,  31 ;  8  :  10, 
22,  27;  9:  30,  33). 

Decapolis  means,  deca — ten,  and  polis — cities,  situated 
north  of,  east  and  southeast  of  Capernaum ;  founded  by 
Greeks  and  federated  into  a  league  by  Pompey,  b.  c.  63-64. 

3.  The  disciples  needed  their  faith  deepened.  How 
would  the  Syrophenician  woman's  faith  help  them? 
(Matt.  15  :  21-28). 

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Study  XV  The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

Second    Day.     Feeding  the   Four  Thousand.     {Mark 
8  :  l-g  ;  Matt.  13  :  32-38.^ 

1.  Cf.  Mark  6  :  3of ;  John  6  :  if.  Some  would  iden- 
tify them.  What  is  your  opinion  ?  Read  Mark  8  :  2, 
17-21.     Now  give  the  reasons  for  the  miracle. 

2.  Seeking  a  sign  (Matt.  16:  1-4;  Mark  8:  11-13). 
Evidently  lying  in  wait  for  Him.  Why  did  they  seek  a 
sign  ?     Why  should  they  know  better  ? 

3.  The  disciples  rebuked  for  their  little  faith  (Matt. 
16  :  5-1 2 ;  Mark  8  :  14-21).  Read  both  accounts.  These 
words  were  aimed  to  make  the  disciples  think  seriously. 
What  good  reason  had  they  for  not  having  absolute  faith  ? 
(Mark  8:  17-18). 

"  Every  student  needs  a  wider  life  and  a  deeper  life. 
Christ  did  those  two  things  for  His  disciples.  He  widened 
the  circle  of  their  ideas,  and  He  deepened  the  intensity  of 
their  convictions.  The  hardest  things  in  the  world  to  unite 
are  breadth  of  apprehension  with  intensity  of  convictions." 
— Presidefit  Faiince. 

Third  Day.     The  Confession  of  Peter.     {Matt.  16 :  13- 
20  ;  Mark  8:2'/;  Luke  g  :  18.) 

1.  The  place.  Near  C^esarea  Philippi,  at  the  foot  of 
Mt.  Hermon  on  site  of  Panias,  so  called  from  the  god  Pan, 
to  whom  was  consecrated  a  cave  near  by.  "It  lay  1,050 
feet  above  sea  level,  while  Hermon  towered  8,000  feet 
above  it."     The  journey  was  for  retirement. 

2.  The  confession.  Read  Study  XIV,  Seventh  Day. 
Who  is  this  who  makes  such  sweeping  claims  and  mani- 
fests such  power  ?  For  the  first  time  Jesus  seeks  a  definite 
answer  in  His  disciples.  Whom  do  the  people  think? 
The  disciples?  (v.  16).  How  did  Jesus  feel  about  it? 
To  what  did  He  attribute  the  insight  ? 

94 


The  Corner-stone  of  the  Kingdom     Study  XV 

Fourth  Day.      The  Effect  of  Peter's  Confession. 

I  The  Corner-stone  of  the  Kingdom.  Jesus  seized 
upon  Peter's  confession  of  faith,  that  is,  the  truth  for  which 
it  stood,  and  made  it  the  foundation  rock  of  His  Kingdom. 
Just  what  was  it?  (i  Cor.  3  :  10,  11).  All  who  possess 
this  faith  will  be  Uke  Peter,  built  as  stones  mto  the  great 
temple  structure  of  the  Kingdom  (Matt.  21  :  42,  43  \  Acts 
4 :  10-12  ;  Eph.  2  :  19-22  ;   i  Pet.  2  :  4-7). 

2.  The  power  of  the  Kingdom  (v.  18).     What  was  it? 

3.  The  authority  of  the  Kingdom  (v.  19).  First,  spir- 
itual; second,  administrative;  third,  constructive:  pos- 
sessing the  truth  they  were  to  open  the  doors  for  others  to 
enter  and  not  hinder.  They  were  to  spread  the  Gospel 
message.  Realize  the  responsibility  that  goes  with  this 
deeper  knowledge  of  Christ.     Jesus  emphasizes  it  many 

times  later. 

Note.  We  venture  to  paraphrase  Peter's  confession. 
"Even  though  everybody  has  left  you  and  some  seek  to 
kill  you  and  you  have  made  it  plain  that  you  are  not  the 
kind  of  a  Messiah  we  are  looking  for,  still  we  believe  there 
is  that  about  you  which  indicates  plainly  that  you  are  none 
other  than  the  Christ,  the  Son  of  God." 

Fifth  D  ay.     The  Shadow  of  Calvary.     {Matt.  16, ■  21-28  ; 
Mark  8  :  31-9  :  i ;  Luke  p  ;  22-27.') 

1.  The  time  has  now  come  for  Jesus  to  reveal  to  His 
disciples  the  deepest  secret  of  His  ministry.     What  was  it  ? 

2.  The  effect  upon  the  disciples  ?  The  current  idea  of 
the  Kingdom  had  no  place  for  Isaiah's  suffering  Messiah 
(Isa.  S3).  It  was  a  severe  shock  to  the  disciples'  faith. 
Jesus  felt  it  necessary  to  have  the  attestation  of  heaven ; 
the  real  reason  for  the  Transfiguration. 

3.  Some  inferences.     The  Resurrection  is  always  coup- 

95 


Study  XV  The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

led  with  the  prophecy  of  death.  Why?  What  is  in- 
volved in  Christ's  reply  to  Peter?  Just  why  should  this 
be?  (Mark  9:1;  John  12  :  24-32 ;  15  :  13  ;  16  :  7-14). 
Now  read  Mark  8  :  34-38.  What  part  must  every  Chris- 
tian have  in  this  great  truth  ? 

Sixth  Day.  The  Vision  of  Ultimate  Triumph— The 
Transfiguration.  {Matt.  17  :  i-ij  ;  Mark  g  :  2-13  ; 
Luke  g  :  28-36. ) 

1.  The  circumstances.  Create  the  scene.  Enter  into 
Nature's  holy  sanctuary  with  prayer  (Luke  9  :  29). 

2.  The  Transfiguration.  "  It  was  not  one  person's  op- 
tical delusion,  but  a  vision  granted  to  three  persons  at 
once"  (JPlummer').     Cf.  the  accounts  in  detail. 

3.  Its  purpose.  Read  Fifth  Day,  Sec.  i  (Luke  9:31). 
What  is  implied  in  the  word  "accomplish"?  The  pres- 
ence of  Moses  and  Elijah?  The  voice  from  heaven? 
Jesus  alone?  (v.  36).  What  was  the  ultimate  vision? 
Jesus  was  also  greatly  strengthened  for  the  work  that  lay 
before  Him. 

4.  The  demoniac  boy  (Mark  9  :  14-29).  There  is  a 
real  unity  between  this  incident  and  the  above  scene. 
What  is  it?  (Luke  9 :  33).  What  is  the  truth  taught? 
(vs.  23,  29). 

5.  A  second  revelation  of  Calvary  (Mark  9:  30-32; 
;cf.  Matt.  17:  23;  Luke  9:  44,  45).  Contrast  the  effect 
jwith  Matt.  16  :  22.     What  progress? 

Seventh  Day.     Greattiess   and  Responsibility    in    the 

Kingdom.      {Matt.  18 ;     Mark     9:33-50;     Luke 

9:46-30.') 

I.     The   secret   of  greatness.     What  is  the  principle? 

(Mark    9:35;    8 :  34).      The     responsibility  ?     (Matt. 

96 


The  Corner-Stone  of  the  Kingdom     Study  XV 

1 8  :  6-14).     See  Fourth  Day,  Sec.  3.     The  disciples  had 
been  discussing  Christ's  words  to  Peter  (Matt.  16  :  18-19). 

2.  Another  secret  of  greatness  (Matt.  18  :  15-35).  To 
forgive  is  to  be  great.  Trace  the  practical  steps  (vs.  15-20). 
The  advantage  gained?  The  limit  of  forgiveness? 
(vs.  21-22). 

3.  The  duty  of  forgiveness  (vs.  22-35).  Upon  what 
principle  does  it  turn?  "Ten  thousand  talents,"  equal  to 
about  twelve  million  dollars.  Cf.  one  hundred  pence.  Read 
again  vs.  32-35.  Dwell  upon  the  virtue  of  humility,  serv- 
ice and  forgiveness  in  the  light  of  the  above  revelation. 
What  does  Christ  expect  of  us  ? 

"His  perfection  is  the  goal  at  which  our  imperfections 
aim ;  His  fullness  is  that  upon  which  humanity's  defect 
forever  draws.  This  is  the  central  truth  of  the  Transfigura- 
tion. That  great  scene  has  first  a  factual  life,  and  then  a 
prophetic.  It  is,  first  of  all,  the  revelation,  in  the  midst 
of  His  humiliation,  of  the  moral  perfection  that  dwelt  in 
Christ ;  the  actual  disclosure  of  the  fathomless  glory  of  the 
Lord. 

"There  is,  however,  the  prophetic  side.  What  Christ 
is  in  complete  realization,  that  humanity  is  prophetically; 
He  is  the  perfect  humanity  after  which  we  must  forever 
strive,  and  short  of  which  we  must  forever  fall.  The  goal 
is  the  flying  goal ;  the  high  calling  is  ever  lifting  itself  into 
the  infinite  heights  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus.  Below  time, 
deeper  than  the  relations  of  Creator  and  creature,  His  being 
goes ;  He  is  the  Eternal  Humanity  in  the  life  of  the  In- 
finite."—G^^^-^^w,  in  The  Christ  of  To-day,  p.  131  ff. 


97 


Divisioist  11. — TJi6  King  Leaves  Galilee  for  Good-^ 
Evangelizes  Judea  and  Perea,  and  Appeals  in 
Vain  to  Jerusalem  by  a  Deeper  Revelation  of  His 
True  Kingship. 

STUDY  XVI 

THE  KING  SENDS  OUT  THE  SEVENTY  AND 
MAKES  HIS  THIRD  APPEAL  TO  JERUSALEM 
(Matt.  19:1;  Mark  10:  i;  Luke  9:51-10:24;  John 
7  :  1-8  :  59).     See  Chart. 

First  Day.     The  Steadfast  Passion.    {Luke  g  :  51-62.') 

1.  The  passion  directed.  "  The  descent  into  the  val- 
ley of  humiliation."  A  calm  clear  note  of  triumph  min- 
gled with  stern  rebuke,  tender  pleading  and  passionate  out- 
pouring of  love.  This  whole  study  is  like  a  spring  day ; 
glorious  sunrise,  thunder-clouds,  storms,  beautiful  sunset 
with  a  rainbow  of  promise. 

2.  The  passion  analyzed.  Read  the  passage  thought- 
fully. 

"  He  set  His  face  towards  Jerusalem.  What  does  it 
mean  ?  First,  detachment  from  all  that  prevents  progress 
to  Jerusalem ;  even  a  home,  if  the  home  interferes  with  the 
journey.  Secondly,  abandonment  of  the  nearest  earthly 
ties,  any  interest  which  interferes  with  this  great  move- 
ment towards  the  building  of  the  city  of  God. 

"There  lies  Jerusalem,  hostile,  doomed;  but  watch 
Him.  He  must  pass  through  the  hostility,  know  it,  feel  it, 
gather   it   into  His  heart,  die  in  His  wrestling  with  it. 

98 


The  King  Appeals  to  Jerusalem        Study  XVI 

.  .  .  Every  city  is  Jerusalem  in  some  sense.  Your 
Jerusalem  is  where  you  live. 

"  '  The  Son  of  Man  hath  not  where  to  lay  His  head.'  Do 
not  pity  Him.  Pity  yourself,  if  you  have  any  place  that 
holds  you  resting  when  you  ought  to  be  out  on  the  high- 
way towards  the  city  of  God." — Rev.  G.  Campbell  Mor- 
gan^ D.  D. 

3.  The  passion  applied.  The  seventy  sent  out  (Luke 
10 :  1-24).  The  marvellous  passion  for  the  Kingdom 
grown  in  scope  and  intensity.  Cf.  Study  XII,  Fifth  Day. 
Observe  changed  note  in  teaching  (vs.  13-15). 

"Let  me  plead  for  the  foreign  missionary  idea  as  the 
necessary  completion  of  the  Christian  life.  It  is  the  apex 
to  which  all  the  lines  of  the  pyramid  lead  up.  The  Chris- 
tian life  without  it  is  a  mangled  and  imperfect  thing." — 
Phillips  Brooks. 

Second  Day.    At    the  Feast   of    Tabernacles.     (^John 
7:1-36.) 

1.  Yesterday's  lesson  doubtless  took  place  between 
vs.  9  and  10.  While  the  seventy  were  evangelizing  the 
country  Jesus  went  alone  to  plead  with  Jerusalem. 

2.  The  feast.  See  Chart.  It  celebrated  the  final  in- 
gathering of  all  the  harvest,  grain  and  fruit,  commemorated 
the  safe  journey  through  the  wilderness,  and  looked  forward 
to  the  final  ingathering  of  all  nations  by  the  Messiah  King. 
It  was  a  most  opportune  time  for  a  spiritual  disclosure  of 
the  true  Messiah. 

3.  Read  vs.  1-36,  with  the  following  in  mind. 

(i)     His  brethren  (Mark  6  :  3)  urge  Him  to  per- 
form His  wonderful  works  in  Jerusalem  and  let 
the  rulers  judge  if  He  be  the  Christ  (vs.  1-9). 
Jesus  refuses,  but  goes  up  secretly  where  He  is 
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Study  XVI         The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

much  sought  after  (vs.  10-13).  ^'^'^y  ^o  ^^^Y 
urge  Him?  What  temptation  is  involved? 
Why  is  He  not  openly  acknowledged  ? 

(2)  The  Jews  marvel  at  His  wonderful  insight  into 
Scripture  and  truth,  not  having  learned  the 
subtle  logic  of  their  schools  (v.  15).  Jesus 
replies,  "  My  insight  and  knowledge  come  not 
from  legal  training  and  critical  understanding, 
but  from  a  spiritual  experience  born  of  obe- 
dience to  My  Father's  will,  and  an  effort  to 
seek  only  His  glory.  This  makes  Me  both  true 
and  righteous"  (vs.  16-18).  Can  any  one 
have  the  same  experience  ?  (v.  1 7).  Why  has 
the  Jew  not  had  it?  (vs.  19-24). 

(3)  To  the  question  in  vs.  25,  27,  Jesus  replies, 
"  You  know  all  about  My  physical  source  and 
destiny,  but  about  My  spiritual  source  you 
know  nothing  (v.  28),  and  where  I  am 
going  ye  know  not,  and  if  ye  did  know  ye 
could  not  come  "  (vs.  33-34).  Jesus  does  not 
tell  them  why  until  later  (8  :  21-30).  What 
do  they  think  He  means  ?  (7  :  35,  36).  What 
is  the  result  of  this  teaching?  (vs.  31,  32). 

Edersheim's — T/ie  Life  and  Times  of  Jesus  the  Messiah, 
Vol.  II,  Chaps.  6-8,  are  very  illuminating  on  the  relation 
of  Jesus  to  this  feast. 

Third  Day.     The  Living  Fountain.     {John  7  :  37-32.) 

1.  "  The  last  day  ' ' — A  golden  pitcher  filled  with  water 
was  poured  upon  the  altar,  symbolic  of  the  past — the  riven 
rock  in  the  wilderness ;  of  the  future — the  outpouring  of 
the  Holy  Spirit  on  all  nations. 

2.  The  voice  of  Jesus  (vs.  37,  38).     What  is  the  rela- 

100 


The  King  Appeals  to  Jerusalem        Study  XVI 

tion  of  the  two  thoughts  ?  (v.  39).  How  can  Jesus  be- 
come a  living  fountain  in  one's  soul  ?  You  can  hammer 
ice  into  a  hundred  pieces,  and  still  it  is  ice.  Only  the 
sun's  rays  can  melt  it  into  water.     The  result  ?  (vs.  40, 

41,  42-44). 

3.  Why  did  not  the  officers  take  Jesus?  Why  did 
Nicodemus  seek  to  defend  Christ?  The  result?  (vs.  45-52). 

"  Thy  soul  was  like  a  star,  and  dwelt  apart ; 
Thou  hadst  a  voice  whose  sound  was  like  the  sea ; 
Pure  as  the  naked  heavens,  majestic,  free." 

Fourth    Day.     The     Light    of    the     World.     {John 
8 :  12-30.) 

1.  John  8  :  i-ii,  not  regarded  as  an  original  part  of 
the  Gospel,  may  be  a  displaced  section.  It  is  true  to  the 
spirit  of  Jesus.     Read  it  carefully. 

2.  The  Court  of  the  Women  was  brilliantly  lighted — 
symbolic  of  the  coming  Messiah  (Luke  2  :  32).  Read 
V.  12.     How  is  Jesus  our  light?  (vs.  32-36;   7  :  17). 

"The  Pharisees  could  not  have  mistaken  the  Messianic 
meaning  in  the  words  of  Jesus,  in  their  reference  to  the 
past  festivity:  *I  am  the  Light  of  the  World.'  " — Eder- 
sheim. 

3.  Who  is  the  true  witness  ?  (v.  18).  Why  could  they 
not  follow?  (vs.  21-24).  How  could  they  follow ?  (v.  24). 
Why  did  they  not  know  Him?  (v.  19).  How  could  they 
know  Him  ?  (vs.  25-30). 

Fifth      Day.      The     Spiritual     Emancipator.      {John 
8:31-50.) 
I.     The  root  of  their  unbelief  was  sin  leading  to  spirit- 
ual blindness;  this  was  bondage.     How  could  they  be- 
come free  ?     What  would  follow  this  freedom  ? 

lOI 


Study  XVI         The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

"  The  leaders  of  Israel  were  compassing  the  death  of 
Jesus.  And  He  sought  to  turn  them  from  their  purpose, 
not  by  appealing  to  their  pity  nor  to  any  lower  motive,  but 
by  claiming  as  His  right  that  for  which  they  would  con- 
demn Him.  He  was  the  Sent  of  God,  the  Messiah ;  al- 
though to  know  Him  and  His  Mission,  it  needed  moral 
kinship  with  Him  that  had  sent  Him ;  did  Israel,  as  such, 
possess  it  ?  They  did  not ;  nay,  no  man  possessed  it,  till 
given  him  of  God." — Edersheim,  Vol.  II,  p.  i6y. 

Sixth  Day.     The  Great  "  I  Am:'     (^JohnS  :  51-sg.) 

1.  The  assertion  in  v.  51  leads  to  charge  of  having  a 
devil.     Why?  (vs.  52-55). 

2.  The  assertion  in  v,  56  is  challenged,  to  which  Jesus 
makes  the  bold  and  sweeping  reply  in  v.  58.  The  Jews 
doubtless  associated  it  with  the  great  "I  Am,"  who  spoke 
to  Moses  on  Horeb  and  hence  as  rank  blasphemy.  The 
result?  (v.  59). 

"Think  of  our  holy  and  beautiful  Christ,  His  heart  the 
home  of  a  love  that  enfolded  the  world,  His  spirit  the  stain- 
less, truthful  mirror  of  the  Eternal,  His  mouth  dropping 
with  every  word  pearls  of  divinest  wisdom — to  think  of 
Him  hated  and  wasted  by  these  men  is  to  think,  as  it  were, 
of  the  crown  of  God  with  all  its  stars  dimmed,  corroded, 
dissolved  by  mists  bred  in  dismal  swamps  formed  by  the 
decayed  life  of  ancient  worlds." — Fair  bairn,  Studies  in 
the  Life  of  Christ. 

Seventh  Day.     The  Beautiful  Sunset.  {Luke  10 :  17-24  ; 

Matt.  II :  2S-JO. ) 

The  storm  is  past — beyond  the  Jordan  the  rainbow  of 

promise.     Why  is  not  Jesus  disheartened  ?     Why  should 

the  disciples  rejoice  ?     What  is  the  real  cause  for  thanks- 

102 


The  King  Appeals  to  Jerusalem       Study  XVI 

giving  ?  What  intimacy  does  Jesus  suggest  between  Him- 
self and  the  Father?  How  can  that  be  ours?  (Matt. 
II  :  27-30). 

"The  healing  of  those  demoniacs  might  seem  a  small 
thing ;  but  it  was  not ;  it  was  really  a  crisis — the  crisis  in 
the  history  of  the  human  race.  .  .  .  He  who  under- 
stands this  group  of  sayings,  has  found  his  way  to  the 
heart  of  Christianity." — Prof.   Wm.  Sanday. 

"  Come,  ye  disconsolate,  where'er  ye  languish, 
Come  to  the  mercy-seat,  fervently  kneel : 
Here  bring  your  wounded  hearts,  here  tell  your  anguish; 
Earth  has  no  sorrows  that  heaven  cannot  heal. 

««  Joy  of  the  desolate,  light  of  the  straying, 
Hope  of  the  penitent,  fadeless  and  pure. 
Here  speaks  the  Comforter,  tenderly  saying, 
Earth  has  no  sorrow  that  heav'n  cannot  cure. 

"  Here  see  the  Bread  of  life  ;  see  waters  flowing 

Forth  from  the  throne  of  God,  pure  from  above ; 
Come  to  the  feast  of  love  ;  come  ever  knowing 
Earth  has  no  sorrow  but  heav'n  can  remove." 


103 


STUDY  XVII 


A:r^._     .-       ^;..-.T._^.l     __v;    ;;.:;-;;;  35; 


I. 


a.  _.   V    :;     :•-_:        T^is  Tisit 

took  J--:  r  feasts. 

tBBCt    :     . :    .  .  1-  :                                                                                7'^" 

iol  x:    .-    .   -  T                                                      Hr    :'r  -e 

3-     --  .                          --■: 

Oct    :  :?:  and  wrj.:    -  7                              ::    rrs. 

Deter-  :    :-_ 

"Hi;      ,,  ,-       ,    ^_::                _  : 

Tie  rtii  -   --5)-     What  is  the latiooal 

expect  an  ansver?     *'  "ti: 
:  .7-  r . :  - :  t  .  :cne  prinriple  of  Ifae  K:zx  • 


:-d  Zlj-.  /     ;—        :^m^.    {Lmie   11:37- 

12:59) 


104 


r  i-.-.r?   Ln.:.ii-  n-i.Ttruil^-  ^-.i  ;;-  fi«:  1-34)- 


Th.:.ri    Da  v. 


(V5    :: 
XI,  T^ 


rdara  (ts.    23-29}.     GL  Malt.   7:  irfl 


r^ifis.     it 

ZL  -?-  CL,  afterilspr: 

105 


Study  XVII        The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

2.  The  growth  of  faith  (vs.  13-41).  An  act  of  obe- 
dience (v.  7).  Jesus  is  a  man  (v.  10)  ;  then  He  becomes 
a  prophet  (v.  17).  More  than  a  prophet ;  a  man  from  God 
(v.  32).  What  three  things  led  to  this  larger  vision?  (vs. 
25,  28,  31).  Finally  He  is  the  Son  of  God.  How  did 
He  reach  this  fuller  faith  ?  (vs.  35-38). 

3.  The  growth  of  unbelief  (vs.  13-41).  First  cause 
of  unbelief  (vs.  9,  18).  Second  (v.  16).  Third  cause, 
(vs.  28,  29).  Fourth  cause  (v.  34).  The  final  result 
(vs.  40,  41).     What  is  it? 

4.  The  results.  Perfect  spiritual  vision;  complete 
spiritual  blindness. 

Fifth  Day.     The  Good  Shepherd.     {Johnio :  1-21.) 

1.  The  true  and  false  shepherd  (vs.  1-6).  Jesus  con- 
trasts Himself  with  the  blind  leaders  of  the  blind  in 
9:  40,  41.  How  is  their  falsity  revealed?  (vs.  i,  5). 
How  are  the  true  known  ?  (vs.  2-4). 

2.  The  door  of  the  sheep.  What  three  things  follow 
if  any  one  enters  this  door  ?  (v.  9).  The  true  and  false 
contrasted  (v.  10). 

3.  The  good  shepherd.  The  final  mark  of  a  good 
shepherd  (v.  11).  The  false  (v.  12).  Oi  the  Good  Shep- 
herd {yi.  14-18).     Just  what  is  it?  (vs.  16,  18). 

This  is  no  mere  commonplace  figure,  but  a  picture  of 
the  very  heart  and  soul  of  Christ's  ministry — personal  love 
for  each  member  of  His  flock  even  to  complete  self-sac- 
rifice. 

Sixth  Day.     The  Son  of  God.     {John  10  :  22-42.^ 

I.  In  reply  to  their  question  (v.  24).  Jesus  contrasts 
the  true  and  the  false  sheep.  What  are  the  characteristics 
and  advantages  of  true  sheep  ?  (vs.  27-29).     This  is  true 

106 


In  Perea  and  Jerusalem  Study  XVII 

because  the  Father's  purpose  and  feeling  towards  the  sheep 
are  the  same  as  His  own  (v.  30)  ;  (vs.  14-18). 

2.  What  inference  did  the  Jews  make  from  this  state- 
ment? (vs.  31-33).  How  does  Jesus  reply?  (vs.  34-38). 
By  what  two  arguments  does  He  seek  to  substantiate  this 
sweeping  claim  ?  (vs.  34-36;  37.  S^)- 

3.  What  was  the  result?     Where  did  He  now  go? 

Seventh  Day.     The   Lament  Over  Jerusalem.     {Luke 

13:31-35-) 

1.  The  reply  to  Herod.  It  was  true,  but  what  gain  to 
go  nearer  to  Jerusalem  ?  Why  was  Herod  a  fox  ?  What 
did  Jesus  reply?  (vs.  32,  33). 

2.  The  lament.  In  the  light  of  the  last  two  studies, 
dwell  upon  the  deep  tragedy  of  these  words  and  seek  to 
realize  the  cause  of  Jerusalem's  refusal  of  their  King.  Has 
it  ever  occurred  to  you  that  He  has  ofitimes  made  the  same 
appeal  to  your  life,  and  you  did  not  know  Him  ? 

Thou  shall  know  Ilim  when  He  comes 
Not  by  any  din  of  drums, 

Nor  the  vantage  of  His  airs ; 
Neither  by  His  crown, 
Nor  His  gown, 

Nor  by  anything  He  wears. 
He  shall  only  well-known  be 
By  the  holy  harmony 
That  His  coming  makes  in  thee !  " 


107 


STUDY  XVIII 

THE  KING  AGAIN  RETIRES  TO  PEREA: 
FURTHER  ILLUSTRATION  BY  PARABLES 
(Luke  14:  1-17  :  10). 

First  Day.     The  Principle  of  the  Parables. 

This  group  of  parables  has  a  very  close  connection  in 
thought.  The  nature  of  the  Kingdom  was  still  obscure ; 
the  question  of  membership  was  paramount.  A  mixed 
multitude  was  thronging  Jesus.  Follow  directions  and  you 
will  obtain  best  results.     Read  through  the  paraphrase. 

You  Pharisees  are  too  self-seeking  and  exclusive 
(14:  1-14)  ;  such  principles  have  no  place  at  the  great 
feast  to  which  you  were  first  invited,  but  sent  frivolous  ex- 
cuses, and  now  God  has  filled  the  banquet  hall  and  you 
cannot  enter  (14  :  14-24).  But  you  who  do  enter  must 
first  count  the  cost,  self-denial  and  sacrifice  (14:  25-35). 

You  rulers  murmur  at  this  great  inclusiveness  of  the 
Kingdom,  for  you  have  no  idea  of  how  God  will  rejoice 
over  just  one  of  these  poor  souls  (15  :  1).  Think  how  a 
poor  woman  searches  for  a  coin  or  a  shepherd  for  one  lost 
sheep,  or  how  a  father  yearns  over  his  lost  son  and  how 
great  the  joy — so  shall  it  be  in  heaven  (15  :  3-24).  And 
you  elder  brethren  should  encourage  them  and  rejoice  with 
God,  and  not  hinder  and  frown  upon  My  work 
(15  :  25-32). 

But  not  all  of  you  publicans  and  sinners  who  are  going 
to  enter  the  Kingdom  are  poor,  some  of  you  are  rich  and 
selfish,  and  unless  you  make  the  right  use  of  your  money, 
by  using  it  for  philanthropic   and  unselfish  purposes,  you 

108 


The  Kingdom  in  Parables  Study  XVIII 

cannot  be  counted  faithful  (i6  :  1-13).  You  Pharisees 
scoff  at  this  because  you  think  the  mere  possession  of  riches 
justifies  you  before  men.  The  Kingdom  of  God  is  built 
solidly  upon  God's  laws,  and  they  must  be  obeyed 
(16:  14-17).  The  underlying  principle  of  selfish  wealth 
is  this.  You  get  your  sumptuous  feasting  here,  the  poor 
man  over  there,  which  will  be  fellowship  with  Abraham, 
while  you  will  suffer  the  scorching  fire  of  your  own  self- 
smitten  conscience  from  which  you  can  never  escape,  and 
which  forever  excludes  from  peaceful  rest  with  God.  But 
you  men  are  so  blind  you  cannot  see  this  in  Moses  and  the 
prophets,  how  can  you  hope  to  see  it  when  I  am  risen  from 
the  dead.  You  do  not  see  that  justice,  mercy  and  love 
should  prevail  in  this  world  (16  :  19-31). 

You  disciples  take  warning,  better  dead  than  blind  lead- 
ers of  the  blind.  Take  heed,  rebuke  sin  but  be  merciful 
and  forgiving  (17  :  1-4).  This  will  require  all  the  faith 
you  can  possess ;  but  even  a  grain  of  the  right  kind  of  faith 
has  mighty  power  (17  :  5,  6).  But  you  must  also  toil  in- 
cessantly as  you  see  Me  toiling,  and  even  then  your  hu- 
mility should  admit  of  no  self-righteousness,  as  with  the 
Pharisees,  but  only  a  sense  of  duty  well  done  (17  :  7-10). 

Now  read  rapidly  Chapters  14  and  15. 

Second     Day.     Review     First     Day.      {Read  Luke 
16  : 1-17  :  10.) 
A  parable  illustrates  only  a  single  thought  and  not  many 
details. 

Third  Day.    Study  Each  Parable  in  Detail.    (Luke  14.") 

Fourth  Day.     The  Three  Parables  of  Grace.    {Luke  15!) 
Picture  vividly  these  scenes,  especially  the  characters  in 
the  parable  of  the  prodigal  son. 

109 


Study  XVIII         The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

That  picture  of  the  returning  prodigal,  as  a  model  of 
teaching  skill,  will  never  have  a  peer.  It  is  the  Master 
Teacher's  masterpiece.  As  a  warrant  for  those  feasts  with 
harlots  it  is  impregnable.  As  an  answer  to  those  Pharisees 
it  is  irresistible.  .  .  .  What  was  the  secret  of  His 
skill  ?  It  was  His  zeal  to  save.  He  carried  infinite  store 
of  sacrificial  love.  He  burned  with  zeal  for  righteousness. 
He  loathed  every  shade  of  sin.  Hence  all  His  popularity 
among  those  shadowed  lives.  Hence  all  His  skill  in  fram- 
ing parables. — C.  S.  Beards  lee,  Teacher- Training  with 
the  Master  Teacher. 

Fifth  Day.     The  Two  Parables  on  Wealth.     {Luke  i6.) 

Sixth  Day.     The  Responsibility  of  Right  Leadership  and 
Need  of  Faith  and  Toil.     {Luke  ij  :  i-io.) 

Seventh  Day.    Reread  First  Day. 

Dwell  upon  the  world-wide  scope  of  the  Kingdom.  Let 
the  Master's  passion  seize  you  as  you  go  out  to  labour  for 
its  fuller  coming. 

He  who  would  have  a  real  passion  for  the  Kingdom  must 
first  have  a  real  passion  for  the  King, 


no 


Division  III. —  The  King  Precipitates  the  Crisis  at 
Jerusalem. 

STUDY  XIX 

THE  KING  REVEALS  THE  DEEPER  MEANING  OF 
THE  KINGDOM— THE  RAISING  OF  LAZARUS 
(Luke  17:1 1-18  :  30  ;  John  1 1  :  1-54). 

First  Day.  The  Coming  of  the  Kingdom.  (Luke 
17  '•  20-sr.) 

1.  The  ten  lepers  (17:  11-19).  Determine  the  key 
thought.     What  does  Jesus  mean  in  v.  19? 

2.  What  does  Jesus  mean  in  v.  20  ?  Before  answering, 
read  rapidly  Study  IX,  First  and  Second  Days.  "Within 
you,"  also  means,  in  the  midst  of  you.  How  did  the  Jew 
expect  the  Kingdom  to  come  ?  Who  composed  the  King- 
dom ?  The  time  and  sign  of  its  fuller  coming  ?  (vs.  22-30). 
The  real  Messianic  judgment  will  be  both  individual  and 
national.     How  prepare  for  such  coming?  (vs.  31-37). 

Second  Day.     Two  Parables.     {Luke  18  : 1-14.^ 

1.  Prayer  the  best  preparation  for  the  coming  of  the 
Kingdom.  To  whom  spoken  ?  God  is  not  compared  to 
the  unrighteous  judge  in  character.  What  does  Jesus  em- 
phasize ? 

2.  Repentance  the  best  preparation.     To  whom  spoken  ? 

Third  Day.    Divorce  and  the  Family.     {Matt,  ig  :j-i^  ; 
Mark  10  :  2-16  ;  Luke  18  :  i^^-iy.') 
Ill 


Study  XIX         The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

1.  Divorce  (Matt.  19:  3-12).  Determine  the  sweep- 
ing principle  of  Jesus.  Its  foundation  (vs.  4,  5).  Its 
conclusions  (v.  6). 

2.  Little  children  (Luke  18:15-17).  In  this  act, 
Christ  sanctified  the  family  as  well  as  child  life.  What 
great  principle  did  He  state  concerning  both  the  nature  of 
the  Kingdom  and  entrance  into  it  ?  What  bearing  has 
divorce  on  this  principle  ?  What  place  has  the  home  in 
the  structure  of  the  Kingdom  ? 


Fourth     Day.     The     Rich      Young    Ruler.      {Matt, 
ig  :  16-30;  Mark  10  :  17-31 ;  Luke  18  :  18-30.) 

1.  The  particular  case  (Matt.  19:  16-22).  Was 
the  man  in  earnest?  (v.  16.  Cf.  Mark  10  :  17-21).  V.  17 
is  difficuh.  "Jesus  turns  his  thought  to  God,  the  abso- 
lutely good  One,  in  order  that  he  might  see  Jesus,  not 
simply  as  a  teacher  of  morality,  but  as  the  revelation  of  the 
goodness  of  God." — Burtoji  and  Mathews. 

"One  thing  thou  lackest."  What  was  it?  The  great 
refusal.     What  was  it  ? 

2.  The  general  case  (Matt.  19:  23-30).  Why  hard? 
(v.  23).  Cf,  Mark  10:  24;  Matt.  6:  19-34;  also  Study 
IX,  Fifth  Day.  "A  needle's  eye"  was  a  very  narrow 
gate.  A  camel  must  unload  everything  in  order  to  get 
through.    Ponder  the  answer  to  Peter's  question  (vs.  27-30). 

3.  The  Parable  of  the  Kingdom  (Matt.  20:  1-16). 
Illustrates  Matt.  19  :  30.  God  is  the  best  judge  of  a  man's 
motives  and  deserts.  This  whole  incident  is  but  another 
window  letting  in  light  on  the  question  of  entrance  into  the 
Kingdom  of  Heaven,  and  like  all  others,  revolves  around 
the  principle  laid  down  in  Matt.  7  :  13-29.  Cf.  Study  IX, 
Seventh  Day. 

XZ2 


The  Self-Revelation  of  the  King       Study  XIX 

Fifth  Day.      The  Raising  of  Lazarus.    {John  ii :  1-46. ) 

1.  The  message  (vs.  1-16).  What  do  you  know  of 
these  people  ?  Their  relation  to  Jesus  ?  Why  did  Jesus 
tarry?  (v.  5).  One  thing  we  know,  when  Jesus  saw  His 
duty  clearly  He  obeyed.  What  would  it  mean  to  go  up  to 
Jerusalem  at  this  time?  (vs.  8-1 1).  What  do  you  think 
of  Thomas?  (v.  16). 

2.  The  sublime  self-revelation  to  Martha  (vs.  17-37). 
How  much  faith  did  the  sisters  have?  (vs.  21-24).  Jesus 
deepens  this  faith  by  a  still  fuller  revelation  of  Himself 
(vs.  25,  26).  Believest  thou  this?  The  answer.  Note 
the  deep  sympathy  of  Jesus. 

' '  Jesus  lifted  His  face,  His  clasped  hands  parted  and 
outstretched  above  the  weeping  woman's  head,  then  He 
uttered  for  the  first  time  the  great  words  that  have  thrilled 
the  mourners  of  the  world  for  two  thousand  years." — 
Elizabeth  Stuart  Phelps. 

Sixth    Day.      The    Miracle    and   Its    Effect.      {John 
11:38-54.') 

1.  This  event  but  illuminates  the  marvellous  claim  of 
Jesus.  Evidences  of  death  ?  The  purpose  of  the  prayer  ? 
The  command  ?     The  response  ? 

2.  The  effect  on  the  people ?  (v.  45).     Others?  (v.  46). 

3.  The  death  council  (vs.  47-53).  This  event  cer- 
tainly implies  the  fact  of  the  miracle.  What  is  the  argu- 
ment ?    The  conclusion  ? 

4.  The  crisis  precipitated  (v.  54).  Jesus  now  awaits 
His  time  to  be  delivered  up. 

Seventh  Day.     Some  Reflections. 

Tennyson  and  Browning  have  both  dwelt  upon  this 
scene:     "In  Meraoriam."     See  XXXI.     "An  Epistle — 

113 


Study  XIX         The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

the  strange  experience  of  an  Arab  Physician."  To  what 
kind  of  a  person  was  the  revelation  made  ?  What  inference 
are  we  to  make  from  this  fact  ? 

"  This  man  so  cured  regards  the  curer,  then, 
As — God  forgive  me  !  who  but  God  Himself, 
Creator  and  sustainer  of  the  world, 
That  came  and  dwelt  in  flesh  on  it  awhile ! 


"The  very  God!  think,  Abib;  dost  thou  think? 
So,  the  All-Great,  were  the  All- Loving  too  — 
So,  through  the  thunder  comes  a  human  voice 
Saying,  '  O  heart  I  made,  a  heart  beats  here  ! 
Face,  my  hands  fashioned,  see  it  in  myself! 
Thou  hast  no  power  nor  mayst  conceive  of  mine. 
But  love  I  gave  thee,  with  myself  to  love, 
And  thou  must  love  me  who  have  died  for  thee ! ' 
The  madman  saith  He  said  so:  it  is  strange." 

Read  Col.  3  :  1-4  :  6.  Are  you  realizing  this  resur- 
rection life  ?  Interpret  this  great  truth  in  terms  of  the 
Kingdom,  Cf.  First  Day's  Study  and  the  rich  young 
ruler. 


114 


STUDY  XX 

THE  KING  GOES  TO  JERUSALEM  TO  CLAIM 
HIS  KINGDOM 

First  Day.  The  Close  of  the  Active  Ministry — -Jesus 
Awaits  the  Final  Summons. 
His  death  is  being  compassed  by  the  united  authorities. 
His  pubHc  ministry  has  practically  closed.  It  will  be  well 
to  briefly  notice  the  converging  currents  of  Christ's  life 
and  teaching.  Read  Study  XIV,  Seventh  Day,  and  fol- 
low up  by  means  of  Chart  the  facts  stated  in  Sec.  3. 
Write  a  brief  statement  of  the  plan  and  method  of  Jesus. 
Trace  in  ink  the  journeys  of  Jesus  from  the  final  departure 
from  Galilee  until  the  final  arrival  in  Jerusalem. 

Second    Day.       The    Final   Su?nmons.      {Matt.    20 : 
17-ig  ;  Mark  10  :  32-34  ;  Luke  18  :  31-34.) 

1.  The  summons.  From  His  retreat  Jesus  hears  the 
final  call  of  God.  His  hour  has  come — He  must  go  up 
to  Jerusalem.  Again  He  seeks  to  reconcile  the  faith  of 
His  disciples  to  His  Divine  Kinship  and  His  humiliation 
and  death.  To  what  degree  was  He  successful?  (Luke 
18:  34). 

2.  The  meaning  of  Christ's  Death. 
Man's  part : 

(i)  The  outcome  of  hatred  and  unbelief  (Mark 
6:6;  John  8:  59;   10:  39;  Luke  13:  31). 

(2)  The  fate  of  prophets  (Matt.  5:  i2j  Luke 
13:  34). 


Study  XX  The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

God's  part : 

(3)  The    fulfillment  of  prophecy  and  Scripture 
(Luke  18  :  31 ;   24  :  25  ;  Isa.  53). 

(4)  The  Father's  will  and  loving  purpose  (John 
10:  15-18;   3:  16). 

Christ's  part : 

(5)  It  would  convince  men  of  His  true  Messiah- 
ship  (John  8  :  28). 

(6)  It  would  draw  the  heart  of  the  world  (John 

12:  32). 

(7)  A  means  of  communicating  His  life  (John 
3:  14,  15;  6:  62,  63;   12:  23,  24). 

(8)  The  crowning  act  in  life  of   service  (Mark 
10:  45). 

(9)  It  was  an  act  of  His  own  free  choice  (Luke 
9:  51;  John  10:  15-18). 

Man,  Christ  and  God  : 

(10)  A  sacrifice  (John  3  :  14-16;  Isa.  53  :  5-10). 

(11)  A  ransom  (Mark  10  :  45).  Jesus  deepens  this 
thought  immeasurably  on  the  night  of  the  last 
supper. 

Third  Day.     The  Request  of  James  and  John.     {Matt. 
20  :  20-28  ;  Mark  10 :  35-45.') 

1.  What  kind  of  a  Kingdom  did  the  disciples  expect? 
What  was  the  request?     How  does  Jesus  reply? 

2.  The  principle  involved — what  was  it  ? 

*'  It  was  not  an  accident  that  Christianity  is  the  religion 
of  the  Crucified.  Its  peculiar  note  is  Victory  through 
Suffering.  The  example  which  Jesus  set  in  founding  His 
faith  by  dying  for  it,  was  an  example  which  His  disciples 
were  called  upon  to  follow  into  all  its  logical  consequences." 
— Professor  Sanday. 

116 


The  Approaching  Crisis  Study  XX 

Fourth  Day.     Two  Notable  Incidents. 

1.  Blind  Bartimseus  (Luke  i8  :  35-43).  What  does 
he  call  Jesus  ?  Does  Jesus  deny  it  ?  What  does  it  imply  ? 
What  cured  him  ? 

2.  Zacchaeus  (Luke  19:  i-io).  Describe  Zacchaeus. 
Wjiat  principle  is  involved  in  Jesus'  method  of  dealing 
with  him  ?  What  was  the  result  ?  What  light  does  this 
throw  on  the  Kingdom  ? 

Fifth  Day.  The  Coming  of  the  Kingdom.  (Luke  ig  : 
11-28.) 

1.  What  called  forth  the  parable?  Who  is  meant  by 
"they"? 

2.  To  whom  does  Jesus  refer  in  v.  12  ?  V.  13  ?  V.  14? 
To  what  event  does  He  refer  in  v.  15  ? 

3.  What  principle  is  involved  in  vs.  16-23?  ^^ 
vs.  25,  26?     When  will  the  Kingdom  come? 

Sixth  and  Seventh  Days.  The  Anointing  by  Mary. 
{John  II :  SS-12  :  8 ;  Mark  14:3-^;  Matt.  26: 
6-13.) 

1.  The  arrival.  John's  statement  is  doubtless  correct 
(12  :  i).     What  does  John  12:2  indicate  ? 

2.  The  anointing.  Create  the  scene.  What  was  the 
cause  of  Mary's  gratitude  ? 

3.  The  result  upon  Judas  (Mark  14 :  4).  How  did 
Jesus  reply  ?  The  result  upon  Mary  and  upon  us  ?  (Mark 
14:  8,  9). 

Her  eyes  are  homes  of  silent  prayer, 
Nor  other  thought  her  mind  admits 
But,  he  was  dead,  and  there  he  sits. 

And  He  that  brought  him  back  is  there. 
117 


Study  XX  The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

Tlien  one  deep  love  doth  supersede 
All  others,  when  her  ardent  gaze 
Roves  from  the  living  brother's  face. 

And  rests  upon  the  Life  indeed. 

All  subtle  thought,  all  curious  fears, 
Borne  down  by  gladness  so  complete, 
She  bows,  she  bathes  the  Saviour's  feet 

With  costly  spikenard  and  with  tears. 

Thrice  blest  whose  lives  are  faithful  prayers, 
Whose  loves  in  higher  love  endure; 
What  souls  possess  themselves  so  pure. 

Or  is  there  blessedness  like  theirs  ? 

—  Tennyson'' s  "In  Memoriam,"  Sec.  XXXII, 


ii8 


PART  V 

Passion  Week  and  the  Messianic  Crisis  at 
Jerusalem 


STUDY  XXI 


THE  TRIUMPHAL  ENTRY  OF  THE  KING :  OPEN 
CONFLICT  WITH  THE  RULERS 

First  Day.  The  Triumphal  Entry.  {Matt.  21 :  i-ii  ; 
Mark  II :  i-ii ;  Luke  ig :  2g-44 ;  John  12 : 
12-19.) 

1.  The  event.  Read  rapidly  and  note  following  points : 
Why  the  foal  of  an  ass  ?  The  words  of  the  multitude. 
Why  did  they  cry  out  ?  Christ's  reply  to  the  Pharisees. 
His  attitude  towards  unbelieving  Jerusalem.  His  pro- 
phetic utterance.     Apply  it  to  the  modern  city. 

2.  Its  real  meaning.  Its  effect. 
To  the  multitude  (Matt.  21  :  10,  11).            Deeply  excited. 

To  the  rulers  (John  12:  19).  Amazed,  stupefied,  bitter. 

To  the  disciples  (John  12  :  16).  Mystified  but  hopeful. 

To  Christ  (Matt.  21:5;  John  12  :  15  ;  Sorrowful,  humble ; 

Luke  19:  41-44).  majestic  and  confident. 

The  shouting  multitude  were  mostly  pilgrims.  Jeru- 
salem as  a  whole  was  hostile.     How  would  this  account 

119 


Study  XXI         The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

for  the  sudden  change  of  feeling  later  ?     Where  does  Jesus 
now  go?  (Mark  ii  :  ii). 

Create  the  scene,  make  it  live  before  you.  Make  it  live 
in  you.  Those  quiet  days  slipping  peacefully  by,  indif- 
ferent, perhaps  hostile,  to  the  Christ  who  draws  near  to 
claim  eternal  Kingship  over  your  soul. 

Second  Day.  Monday  and  Tuesday  Morning.  {Matt. 
21 :  12-22  ;  Mark  ii :  12-25  ;  Z«/^<f  ig  :  45-48.) 

1.  The  fig  tree.     Two  facts: 

(i)  The  fig  appeared  before  the  leaves,  a  profes- 
sion of  abundant  fruit.  What  did  Jesus  find  ? 
Read  Matt.  7 :  15-23 ;  Luke  19  :  41-44. 
Now  interpret. 

(2)  Jerusalem  was  a  mountain  of  unbelief  and 
opposition.  What  had  the  disciples  counted 
on  to  remove  it?  What  does  Jesus  teach? 
(Mark  11  :  20-25). 

2.  The  cleansing  of  the  temple  (Matt.  21  :  12-17). 
By  many  identified  with  the  first  (John  2  :  13-22).  The 
thought  is  the  same.     Study  VI,  First  Day. 

Third  Day.  Chrisfs  Authority  Challenged ;  His  Re- 
ply. {Matt.  21:  23-22:  14;  Mark  11 :  2^- 
12 :  12  ;  Luke  20  : 1-19.) 

1.  The  challenge.  Read  Matt.  21 :  23-27.  The 
Sanhedrin,  the  ruling  body.  Jesus  thought  them  insin- 
cere.    The  reply  is  a  charge  of  moral  blindness. 

2.  The  real  reply  (Matt.  21  :  28-22  :  14). 

(i)  The  dutiful  son  (vs.  28-32).  Who  are  the 
two  sons  ?     What  bearing  has  the  teaching  ? 

(v.  30- 

(2)     The  vineyard.     The  vineyard  is  the  Kingdom 
120 


The  King  Claims  His  Kingdom       Study  XXI 

of  God.  Who  is  the  householder  ?  What  is 
the  hedge,  etc.  ?  Who  are  the  servants  ? 
The  husbandman  ?  The  son  ?  Did  the  hus- 
bandman know  better?  (v.  41).  What  ap- 
plication does  Jesus  make?  What  will  now 
happen  ?  (v.  43). 

(3)  The  marriage  feast  (22  :  i-io  ;  Luke  14  :  15). 
What  three  modern  tendencies  are  couched  in 
V.  5  ?  To  what  does  v.  7  refer  in  Jewish  his- 
tory ?  Two  invitations  were  sent  out — to  re- 
fuse the  second  was  equivalent  to  a  declaration 
of  war. 

(4)  The  wedding  garment  (vs.  11-14).  Disre- 
spect or  neglect  is  sin.  Dwell  upon  the  tragic 
truth  of  v.  14. 

Fourth  Day.      Tuesday —  Questions  and  Woes.     {Matt. 
22  :  15-23  :  jp  ;  Mark  12  :  40  ;  Luke  20  :  20-47.') 
Note  the  relation  of  each  question  to  the  party   who 
asked  it. 

1.  The  Herodians  and  the  tribute  money  (Matt.  22  : 
15-22).  The  motive  (v.  15) ;  the  unwilling  compliment 
(v.  16);  the  question  (v.  17);  the  rebuke  (v.  18);  the 
reply  (v.  21);  the  principle  involved?  Apply  it  to  the 
present  day  conception  of  the  Kingdom. 

2.  The  Sadducees  and  the  resurrection  (vs.  23-33); 
the  motive  (v.  23)  ;  the  tradition  (vs.  24-28) ;  the  ques- 
tion (v,  28) ;  the  reply  (vs.  29,  30) ;  the  larger  teaching 
(vs.  31,  T,t). 

3.  The  Pharisees  and  the  law  (vs.  34-40) ;  the  motive 
(vs.  34,  35)  ;  the  question  (v.  36) ;  the  reply  (vs.  37-40). 
Read  also  Mark  12  :  32-34.  What  bearing  has  the  reply 
of  Jesus?  (v.  34). 

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Study  XXI         The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

4.  The  unanswerable  question  (vs.  41-46).  Jesus  now 
assumes  the  offensive.  The  question  and  reply  (v.  42) ; 
the  argument  (vs.  43-45).  The  Jew  accepted  Psahn  no 
as  Davidic — not  the  son  of  David  but  more — a  spiritual 
King  and  Lord  over  a  regenerate  humanity.  The  Jews 
should  have  known  this,  hence  the  woes. 

5.  The  woes  (Chap.  23).  Cf.  with  the  Sermon  on  the 
Mount  (vs.  3-12  with  Matt.  5:  17-20;  etc.).  Now 
analyze  each  woe  and  determine  its  bearing  on  our  present 
day  conception  of  the  Kingdom.  Realize  the  righteous 
fire  and  tender  wooing  of  Jesus. 

Fifth    Day.     Revelations   and  Prophecies.     (^John  12 : 
20-50 ;  Matt.  24.) 

1.  The  widow's  mite  (Mark  12:  41-44).  What  a  rift 
in  the  cloud  !     Just  what  did  she  give  ? 

2.  The  vision  of  Jesus  (John  12  :  20-36). 

(i)  Its  meaning  to  Jesus.  What  was  cause  of  it? 
(vs.  20-23).  How  shall  it  be  realized  ? 
(vs.  24-27),  The  Divine  attestation  (v.  28). 
For  whose  sake  ?  (v.  30).  How  will  His  pas- 
sion realize  it?  (vs.  31,  32). 

(2)  Its  meaning  for  the  multitude,  (a)  What 
they  thought  (vs.  29,  34).  (Ji)  What  Christ 
thought  (vs.  35,  36).  What  is  meant  by  dark- 
ness? 

3.  The  causes  for  rejection  (vs.  38,  40).  How  do 
you  reconcile  this  with  v.  42  ? 

4.  The  final  appeal  of  Jesus  to  the  Jews  (vs.  44-50). 
These  words  likely  belong  to  v.  36;  thus  vs.  37-50  sum 
up  the  teaching  of  Chapters  5-12  and  their  effect.  Cf. 
vs.  44,  45  with  5:  30-37;  also  v.  46  with  8:  12,  also 
V.  47  with  3  :  17. 

123 


The  King  Claims  His  Kingdom       Study  XXI 

Sixth  Day.      Tuesday — Twilight — More  Prophecies. 

I.  Prophecies  (Matt.  24;  Mark  13;  Luke  21).  A 
hard  day  is  over.  Jesus  is  leaving.  The  shadows  fall 
aslant  the  temple.  It  looms  large  and  imposing,  suggestive 
of  the  eternal.  Not  so  it  will  soon  fade  in  the  dark  night ; 
not  so  will  it  pass  into  the  darker  night  of  history  (Mark 
13:  I,  2). 

This  gives  occasion  for  that  strange  utterance  of  Jesus. 
The  disciples  ask  three  distinct  questions  (Matt.  24 :  3). 
It  does  not  follow  that  Jesus  answers  all  of  them,  very 
likely  only  the  first  two.  See  Gould  in  the  Inter.  Crit. 
Commentary  on  Mark,  p.  24.0 ff.  Make  your  own 
analysis.  Mark  13  :  4-13,  tells  what  will  happen  before 
the  fall  of  Jerusalem,  a.  d.  70.  What  is  it?  Mark  13  : 
14-23  tells  of  the  downfall  of  the  temple  and  city.  V.  14 
refers  to  the  Roman  power.  See  Dan.  11:  31;  12:  11; 
also  Josephus,  Wars,  Books  VI,  VII.  It  is  hard  to  be- 
lieve its  terribleness.  Vs.  21-23  refer  to  an  immediate  per- 
sonal return.  What  does  Jesus  say  about  it  ?  Vs.  24-27  tell 
of  a  spiritual  return  at  hand  and  the  establishment  of  the 
universal  Kingdom  of  God  over  fallen  Jerusalem.  V.  28 
gives  the  signs  of  its  coming.  Therefore  watch.  Matt. 
24:  43-51  illustrates  the  need  of  watchfulness.  There 
is  no  attempt  at  fixing  exact  time.  The  end  of  the 
world  is  not  considered,  only  a  continued  coming  of  the 
Kingdom. 

Seventh  Day.  Tuesday  Night — Parables  of  Judgment. 
{Matt.  2S.) 
I.  The  ten  virgins  (vs.  1-13).  The  doom  above  pro- 
nounced is  judgment  on  Israel  for  her  failure  to  know  the 
day  of  her  visitation  (Luke  19:  42),  Some  will  watch 
and  be  ready — some  will  not.     "  Watch  therefore." 

123 


Study  XXI         The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

2.  The  talents  (vs.  14-30).  While  watching,  use 
your  gifts  and  opportunities.  The  condemnation  is  not 
that  ye  have  only  one  talent  but — what  ? 

3.  The  picture  of  final  judgment  (vs.  31-46).  This 
vivid  picture  is  meant  to  portray  the  principle  of  judgment 
rather  than  its  form  or  time.  What  is  it  ?  By  our  con- 
duct and  character  we  daily  determine  the  eternal  issues 
of  life  and  death.     So  it  was  with  Judas. 

4.  The  friends  of  darkness  (Mark  14:  i,  2,  10,  11). 
Why  did  Judas  betray  Christ  ?  (Luke  22  :  3).  Any  other 
possible  reason  ? 

"It  is  a  terrible  night-study,  that  of  Judas.  We  seem  to 
tread  our  way  over  loose  stones  to  hot  molten  lava,  as  we 
climb  to  the  edge  of  the  crater,  and  shudderingly  look 
down  its  depths.  And  yet  there,  near  there,  have  stood  not 
only  St.  Peter  in  the  night  of  his  denial,  but  mostly  all  of 
us.  There  have  we  stood,  in  those  hours  of  sore  tempta- 
tion, when  the  blast  of  doubt  had  almost  quenched  the 
flickering  light,  or  the  storm  of  passion  or  of  self-will 
broken  the  bruised  reed.  But  He  prayed  for  us — and 
through  the  night  came  over  desolate  moor  and  stony 
height  the  Light  of  His  Presence,  and  above  the  wild 
storm  rose  the  Voice  of  Him,  who  has  come  to  seek  and 
to  save  that  which  was  lost.  Yet  near  to  us,  close  to  us, 
was  the  dark  abyss ;  and  we  can  nevermore  forget  our 
last,  almost  sliding  foothold  as  we  quitted  its  edge." — 
Edersheim,  Life  of  Jesus  ^  Vol.  2,  p.  471. 


124 


STUDY  XXII 

THE  REAL  PRESENCE  OF  THE  KING— THE 
HIGHEST  SELF-REVELATION  OF  JESUS 

First  Day.  The  Last  Supper.  {Matt.  26 :  17-35  >  ^<^^^ 
14  :  12-26;  Luke  22  :  7-38  ;  John  13  :  1-18  :  i.) 
We  have  now  come  to  that  sacred  hour  when  alone  with 
His  disciples,  Jesus  makes  the  fullest  revelation  of  Him- 
self. We  will  endeavour  first  to  get  the  order  of  events 
and  second  the  teaching.  Create  the  scene — the  atmos- 
phere— the  intense  expectancy — the  sorrow  of  true  fellow- 
ship and  deeper  knowledge. 

1.  The  order  of  events.  The  records  present  many 
points  of  difference  difficult  to  harmonize.  After  a  careful 
study  of  the  text  and  reading  of  many  authorities,  the  fol- 
lowing order  seems  on  the  whole  best.  See  Edersheini ; 
Andrews y  Life  of  our  Lord,  p.  453  ff-  ;  Sanday,  Outlines 
of  Christ,  p.  145 ff.  ;  also  Art.  ^' Jesus  Christ,"  in  Has- 
tings' Diet.  Bib.  ;  Rhees,  Life  of  Christ,  p.  181  ff.  ;  Art. 
on  "  Dates  "  in  the  Dictionary  of  Christ  and  the  Gospels  ; 
Life  of  Christ,  Burton  and  Mathews,  p.  246 ff.  ;  Farrar, 
Stalker,  and  others.  One  thing  is  certain,  all  four  evan- 
gelists are  telling  the  same  thing. 

2.  Remember  that  the  methods  of  reckoning  were  vari- 
ous and  inaccurate.  The  Jewish  day  was  from  sunset  to 
sunset,  6  p.  m.  to  6  p.  m.  Any  fraction  of  a  day  was 
always  reckoned  as  a  day.  Jesus  undoubtedly  and  pur- 
posely ate  the  Passover  a  day  previous  and  hence  was 
crucified  near  the  hour  of  the  real  killing  of  the  Passover 
lamb  (John  13:1;  18 :  28).  Read  over  the  outline  and 
look  up  first  set  of  references. 

"5 


Study  XXII       The  King  and  His  Kingdom 


Wed. 

Thurs. 

A.M. 


P.  M. 

6p.m.    Be- 
ginning of 
Jewish  day 
or    14th    of 
Nisan.  /  j  n 


(2) 

(0 
(3)    («) 


gP.M. 


Spent  in  retirement  and  prayer.     No  record. 

Preparation  for  Passover  (Matt.  26:  17-19;  Made 
14:  12-16;  Luke  22:7-13).  The  place  was  pos- 
sibly the  home  of  John  Mark's  mother,  the  same 
meeting-place  as  after  the  resurrection  and  on  day 
of  Pentecost. 

Spent  by  Jesus  in  prayer. 
Order  of  Last  Supper  and  Events. 
Beginning   of  the   supper   (Matt.  26:20;   Mark 
14:17;  Luke  22:14-16).     Slight  contention  as 
they   take   their   seats;   words   of  Christ   (Luke 
22:  15,  18). 

First  cup  of  wine ;  prayer,  blessing  and  washing 

of  hands.    Contention  increases  and  Christ  washes 

disciples'  feet  (Luke  22:24-30;  John  13:  1-17). 

(«)   Bitter  herbs  dipped  in  salt  and  vinegar  passed 
about.     Second  cup  filled. 
Questions  of  son  and  answers  of  father  (Ex. 
12:  26). 

Meaning  of  Passover  explained.  Psalms 
113  and  114  sung.  Benediction  and  second 
cup  drunken.  Christ  exposes  betrayal  by 
Judas  (Matt.  26:21-25  ;  Mark  14:  18-21 ; 
Luke  22:  21-23;  John  13:  18-26). 
Hands  again  washed.  The  paschal  meal 
now  served, — the  paschal  lamb,  unleavened 
cakes  and  bitter  herbs  together  with  haroseth 
(a  paste  of  dates,  raisins,  vinegar  and  salt 
water). 

The  "  Sop,"  a  bit  of  cake  and  herb  dipped  in 
haroseth.  "  Sop  "  given  to  Judas  who  now 
goes  out  (John  13  :  2-30), 

(f)    The  paschal  lamb  now  eaten.     This  ends  the 
original  Passover  supper. 

(^)  A   piece    of  unleavened  bread   now  broken 
and  eaten. 

Christ  here  institutes  the  Lord's  Supper,  using  {d) 
126 


The  Real  Presence  of  the  King      Study  XXII 

and  (4)  (^)   (Matt,  26:26-29;  Mark  14:22-25; 

Luke  22:  19-20;   I  Cor.  11 :  23-26). 

(4)     (a)    Third  cup  of  wine  with  thanks,  the  "  cup  of 

blessing." 

^12  P.  M.  Farewell   discourses   of  Jesus  (Matt.  26:31-35; 

Mark  14:27-31;   Luke  22:31-38;  John   13:1- 

»6:33)- 

Intercessory  prayer  (John  17). 
((J)    Fourth    cup,    blessing    and   hymns    (Psalms 
115-I18). 
Midnight.  Departure  for  Gethsemane  (Matt.  26:30;  Mark 

14:  26;  Luke  22:  39;  John  18:  i). 

Second  Day.     The  Last  Supper. 

1.  The  great  desire  (Luke  22:  15-18).  How  fitting 
an  introduction.  What  two  events  are  clearly  foreshad- 
owed? 

2.  Washing  the  feet  (John  13  :  1-17).  Christ  instead 
of  washing  His  hands  washed  their  feet.  What  is  the 
great  teaching?  (vs.  12-17;  Luke  22:  24-30). 

3.  "Is  it  I?"  See  order  of  supper.  Jesus  became 
troubled.  Then  canae  that  dreadful  searching  of  hearts. 
Read  Psalm  130:  3. 

4.  The  "sop"  (John  13:  26-30).  When  the  paschal 
meal  was  all  before  them,  but  before  they  ate  it.  It  is  an 
ever  deepening  mystery  why  Judas  did  not  repent.  Who 
can  look  upon  His  face  and  not  do  it  ? 

The  accompanying  dia-  |John|OurM  Judas 

gram  is  taken  from  the  Dic- 
tionary of  Christ  and  the 
Gospels,  Vol.  II,  p.  ySg, 
and  is  very  probable. 


Peter 


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Study  XXII       The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

"  Such  an  arrangement  would  account  for  (a)  our  Lord 
telling  St.  John  by  what  sign  to  know  the  traitor  without 
the  rest  hearing  (John  13:  26);  (J?)  the  giving  of  the 
"sop"  first  to  Judas  (John  13:  26;  Mark  14:  20;  Matt. 
26  :  23) ;  {c)  the  inquiry  of  Judas  whether  he  was  the 
traitor,  and  our  Lord's  reply  without  the  rest  hearing  the 
latter  (Matt.  26:  25;  John  13:  27-30);  (d)  the  beckon- 
ing of  St.  Peter  to  St.  John,  and  St.  Peter's  request  that 
St.  John  should  ask  our  Lord  who  was  the  traitor  (John 
13:  23,  24);  (e)  the  possibility  that  in  the  'contention' 
among  the  Apostles  (Luke  22  :  24),  if  this  took  place  in 
connection  with  the  Supper  and  before  it,  Judas  claimed 
and  obtained  the  chief  place ;  (/)  the  possibility  that  after 
our  Lord's  rebuke  of  the  'contention  '  (Luke  22  :  25-30), 
St.  Peter  eagerly  seized  on  the  lowest  place." 

Third  Day.     The  Lord's  Supper.     {See  order.) 

1.  Its  institution.  The  paschal  meal  over  and  its  sig- 
nificance fully  before  them,  Jesus  took  a  piece  of  unleavened 
cake  and  with  this  and  the  third  cup  of  wine  He  instituted 
that  never  to  be  forgotten  feast  that  has  come  down 
through  the  centuries  like  a  blessed  memory,  a  sacred 
tryst,  a  holy  communion. 

2.  Its  meaning.  Jesus  undoubtedly  meant  to  carry 
over  into  His  new  institution  the  fundamental  ideas  of  the 
old  (Ex.  12:  1-28). 

(i)  The  Passover  stood  for  a  great  deliverance. 
Read  John  8:31-36;  Mark  10:  45.  Why 
did  Jesus  so  desire  to  eat  the  Passover  lamb 
before  He  died?  What  does  He  mean  by 
broken  body  ? 

(2)  The  Passover  also  stood  for  a  great  covenant 
between  God  and  His  people,  involving  fel- 
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The  Real  Presence  of  the  King       Study  XXII 

lowship.  This  could  be  only  as  men  were 
holy,  hence  the  idea  of  atonement.  Its  heart 
as  well  as  its  seal  was  a  sacrifice  (Ex.  24 :  4-8). 
See  H.  Clay  Trmnble—The  Threshold  Cov- 
enant, also  Blood  Covenant.  How  does 
Jesus  fit  these  two  ideas  into  His  new  insti- 
tution ?  See  also  Jer.  31  :  31-34 ;  Heb. 
8  :  6-13.  What  bearing  has  this  death  upon 
our  relation  to  God  ? 

(3)  This  covenant  fellowship  was  symbolic  of  a 
richer  imparting  of  life.  Read  Study  XIII, 
Fifth  Day,  also  the  "Farewell  Discourses." 
How  does  Jesus  imply  this  idea  ? 

(4)  It  was  an  occasion  for  joyful  fellowship. 

(5)  It  was  to  be  celebrated  as  a  memorial,  never 
to  be  forgotten  (i  Cor.  11  :  26).  What  evi- 
dence of  this  idea  in  the  Lord's  Supper  ? 

3.  Read  again  Study  XX,  Second  Day.  What  does 
the  death  of  Christ  mean  ? 

Fourth  Day.     The  Farewell  Talks.     {John  14.) 

1.  The  need  of  faith  (John  13:  31-38;  Luke  22:  31-38; 
Mark  14  :  27).  Why  did  they  need  faith  ?  How  would 
faith  strengthen  them?  What  did  Jesus  do  for  Peter? 
What  was  the  real  cause  of  troubled  hearts  ?  (John  13  :  36). 
Make  your  own  outline  then  compare. 

2.  The  basis  of  faith  and  comfort  (John  14  :  1-14)- 
(i)     The  abiding  reality  of  God  hence  of  Christ 

(V.    I). 

(2)  The  nature  of  God  and  Heaven  hence  My 
mission  (v.  2). 

(3)  My  going  would  have  no  meaning  if  I  did  not 
come  again. 

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Study  XXII       The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

(4)  The  way  to  realize  this  they  knew  (v.  4). 
Thomas  hesitates — the  reply. 

(5)  I  am  the  way  because  I  am  the  abiding  truth 
and  life  of  God  (v.  6). 

(6)  Hence  the  only  way  to  the  Father  (v.  7). 

(7)  Also  the  source  of  knowledge  regarding  Him 
and  vision  of  Him, 

Philip  wants  to  make  sure  of  this — we  thank 
him  for  it — the  reply. 

(8)  Christ  the  vision  of  the  Father.     How  is  He  ? 
(vs.  8,  9,  10). 

(9)  Proof — His  works  (v.  11).     Your  works  later 
(vs.  12-14). 

3.     The  result  of  faith — A  personal  comforter  (vs.  15, 
16). 
(i)     The  Comforter's  presence,  what  does  it  mean  ? 
(vs.  17-31). 

(a)     The   fullest  revelation    (v.   21).     What 
does  Judas  ask  ?     The  reply  ?     The  In- 
dwelling  Christ   (v.   23).     This   is   the 
deepest   utterance  of  the  Christian  re- 
ligion.    Just   what    does    Jesus   mean  ? 
How  does  this  explain  the  heavenly  man- 
sions?   (/^)  A  teacher  (v.  26).    (f)  Peace 
(v. 27).     What  kind?     (rt')  Power  (vs. 
12-14). 
(2)     Therefore  your  sorrow  should  be  joy  (vs.  27, 
28). 
Now  read  the  entire  chapter.     The  lights  and  shadows 
— the  deeper  faith — the  fuller  revelation,  the  blessed  com- 
forter, the  indwelling   Christ,  the  larger  vision,  pardon, 
peace,  power,  eternal  joy.     Chapters   15-17  unfold  and 
illustrate  this  great  truth. 

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The  Real  Presence  of  the  King       Study  XXII 

Fifth  Day.     The  Indwelling  Christ.     {John  ij.) 

1.  It  is  like  the  vine  (vs.  i-8).  How?  {a)  An  abid- 
ing fellowship,  (d)  The  source  of  fruit.  (^)  The  glory 
of  the  Father. 

2.  The  great  truth  again  stated  in  terms  of  love  (vs. 
8-12).  (a)  An  abiding  love  (v.  9).  (^)  The  source  of 
fruit,  joy  (v.  11);  love  for  others  (v.  12).  Cf.  14:  15-24, 
27-28. 

3.  It  is  like  a  great  friendship  (vs.  13-17).  What  are 
the  five  marks  of  a  great  friendship  ? 

4.  The  antithesis  of  the  indwelling  Christ — the  hatred 
of  the  world,  (a)  The  fourfold  reason  for  it  (vs.  1&-21 ; 
16:  4).     (<5)  The  defence  against  it  (v.  26). 

Sixth  Day.    The  Mission  of  the  Holy  Spirit.     {John  16.} 

1.  His  threefold  mission  to  the  world  (vs.  7-1 1).  What 
is  it? 

2.  His  threefold  mission  to  the  disciples  (vs.  12-24). 
What  is  it  ? 

3.  The  hour  cometh  (vs.  25-33).  (^)  '^^e  perfect 
fulfillment  (vs.  26-30).  (^)  The  dark  valley  between 
(vs.  31-32).  (<r)  The  reason  for  these  words  (v.  33). 
(</)  The  basis  of  hope  (v.  33). 

"Faith,  hope,  love,  these  three;  but  the  greatest  of 
these  is  love." 

Seventh  Day.  Christ's  Intercessory  Prayer.  (Johni^.) 
Instinctively,  as  the  sunset  melts  into  twilight  and 
heaven  and  earth  meet  and  mingle  in  one  pale  iridescent 
glory,  so  Christ  passed  into  the  atmosphere  of  prayer  and 
talked  with  His  Father.  It  is  the  "  most  precious  fragment 
of  the  past."  The  "  Angelus  "  of  the  ages.  Christ  pleads 
that  the  Father  may  be  glorified. 

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Study  XXII       The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

1.  By  His  (Christ's)  own  consecration. 

2.  By  the  consecration  of  His  disciples. 

3.  By  that  of  all  who  should  hereafter  believe  on  Him. 
The  key  verses  are  4,  19,  22.     The  word  "sanctify" 

means  consecrate. 

Compare  v.  22  with  John  14:  23;  15:  8-10.  What 
kind  of  oneness  is  implied  ?  What  is  the  source  of  it  ? 
What  will  be  the  outcome  of  it  ? 

"In  that  solemn  consecration  the  King  stood  for  His 
Kingdom.  Any  who  refuse  to  be  consecrated  contravene 
and  contradict  that  momentous  decision." — F.  B.  Meyer. 

'*  We  cannot  dedicate,  we  cannot  consecrate,  we  cannot 
hallow  this  ground.  The  brave  men  who  struggled  here 
have  consecrated  it  far  beyond  our  power  to  add  or  de- 
tract. It  is  for  us,  the  living,  rather  to  be  dedicated  to 
the  unfinished  work  .  .  .  and  that  we  highly  resolve 
that  these  dead  shall  not  have  died  in  vain." — Abraham 
Lincoln,  quoted  by  F.  B.  Meyer  in  Love  to  the  Utter- 
most. 


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STUDY  XXIII 

THE  KING  RECEIVES  A  CROSS  FOR  A  CROWN: 
FROM  GETHSEMANE  TO  CALVARY  (Matt. 
26  :  36;  Mark  14:  32;  Luke  22  :  39  ;  John  18  :  l). 

First  Day.     In  Gethsemane. 

1.  Read  Matthew's  account  (26  :  36-46).  Supplement 
with  Luke's.  Why  does  he  record  the  agony  ?  On  what 
other  occasions  did  the  three  go  with  Jesus  ? 

2.  The  agony.  What  is  meant  by  the  "  cup  "  ?  What 
was  the  real  cause  of  pain  ?  Why  did  Jesus  come  to  His 
disciples?  Why  did  they  need  the  injunction  in  v.  41? 
What  was  the  final  outcome  for  Christ  ?  For  the  disci- 
ples?    What  great  truth  connects  vs.  45,  46? 

3.  Personal  meditation  rather  than  analysis  is  the  best 
treatment  for  this  passage.  Realize  the  nearness  of  Jesus, 
and  at  the  same  time  His  supremacy. 

"  He  had  staked  and  suffered  everything,  on  the  con- 
viction that  He  was  destined  to  lift  a  world  of  men  out  of 
the  doom  of  life.  If  this  was  not  the  most  tremendous  de- 
lusion which  ever  visited  a  human  brain,  then  was  it  the 
grandest  affirmation." 

Second  Day.    The  Betrayal  and  Arrest.    {Matt.  26 :  47  ; 

Mark  14  :  43  ;  Luke  22  :  ^7  ;  John  18  :  2,  j.) 

Supplement  Matthew's  account  with  John's.     Note  the 

following   points :     (a)    Judas'    part,     (b)    Peter's    part. 

(c)  The  soldier's  part,     (d)  Christ's  part.     His  attitude 

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Study  XXIII         The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

towards  the  above  three,  in  behalf  of  His  disciples,  of 
Himself.  If  He  could  have  prevented  it  why  did  He  per- 
mit it  ? 


Third  Day.  The  Trial  Before  the  Jewish  Authorities. 
{Matt.  26  :  S7  ;  Mark  14  :  53  ;  Luke  22  :  §4  ;  John 
j8  :  12.) 

1.  Before  Annas  (John  18:  12-14;  19-24).  John 
alone  mentions  this,  but  on  the  other  hand  omits  the  trial 
before  Caiaphas.  As  he  wrote  later,  he  was  likely  supple- 
menting the  others.  A  preliminary  interview.  What  was 
the  reply  of  Jesus  ? 

2.  Peter's  first  denial  (John  18 :  15-18).  Be  able  to 
tell  the  event. 

3.  Before  Caiaphas  and  a  partial  gathering  of  the 
Sanhedrin.  Two  witnesses  must  wholly  agree  in  order  to 
establish  a  charge.  This  was  hard  to  get  (Matt.  26  :  60 ; 
Mark  14:  56).  What  did  these  two  witness?  What  does 
the  High  Priest  now  do?  Read  Mark's  account  here 
(14:  59-64).  What  did  Jesus  mean  by  His  reply  ?  The 
verdict  and  result  ? 

4.  Peter's  complete  denial  (Mark  14:  66-72).  What 
was  it  ?  What  happened  ?  Doubtless  Peter  caught  sight 
of  Jesus  as  He  was  led  across  the  court. 

5.  Before  the  Sanhedrin  (Matt.  27:1;  Luke  22 :  66). 
A  formal  sentence. 

6.  Some  marks  of  illegality. 

(i)     Criminals  could  not  be  tried  at  night. 

(2)  One  whole  night  must  intervene  between  trial 
and  judgment  of  death. 

(3)  Criminals  could  not  be  tried  on  the  day  before 
the  Sabbath  or  a  feast. 

7.  The  end  of  Judas  (Matt.  27  :  3-10).     Poor  Judas 

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A  Cross  for  a  Crown  Study  XXIII 

— what  an  awful  tragedy.     Read  again  Study  XXI,  Seventh 
Day,  Sec.  4. 

Fourth  Day.     The  Trial  Before  Pilate.     {Matt.  27  ;  11  ; 
Mark  zj  ;  I ;  Luke  2J  :  I ;  John  18  :  28.) 

1.  General  accusation  (John  18  :  28-31).  Why  did 
they  take  Jesus  to  Pilate  ? 

2.  Special  accusation  (Luke  23  :  2).  How  much  truth 
in  this  ? 

3.  The  silence  of  Jesus  (Matt.  27  :  11-14).  What 
prophecy  is  here  fulfilled  ?     Its  effect  on  Pilate  ? 

4.  The  silence  broken  (John  18:  33-38).  Where? 
In  answer  to  what  question  ?  What  bearing  has  the  reply 
of  Jesus  on  the  nature  of  the  Kingdom  ?  The  nature  of  the 
King?  The  nature  of  truth?  (v.  38).  Was  Pilate  in 
earnest  ? 

5.  The  result  of  the  first  examination  (John  18  :  38). 
Was  it  according  to  the  evidence  ? 

6.  Charges  reiterated  (Luke  23  :  5). 

7.  Before  Herod  (Luke  23  :  sff". ).  Why  ?  Not  an 
official  trial.  The  outcome  for  Jesus  ?  For  Pilate  and 
Herod  ? 

8.  First  effort  at  release  (Luke  23  :  13-16).  If  inno- 
cent of  charges — then  what  ? 

9.  The  final  outcome  (Matt.  27:  15;  Luke  23:  18; 
John  19  :  1-16).  How  did  Pilate  seek  to  evade  the  issue? 
What  real  motive  prompted  him  to  surrender  Jesus  ? 

Fifth    Day.      T/ie    Crucifixion.      {Matt.    2^:32-56: 

Mark  75 ;  21-41 ;  Luke  2j  :  26-4g  ;John  ig  :  16-J7.) 

I.     Read  Mark's  account  through  and  write  down  the 

order   of  events,  then  supplement  with  the  other  three; 

thus  you  will  have  a  complete  order  of  events. 

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Study  XXIII        The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

2.  Where  did  it  occur?  What  is  the  real  significance 
of  the  inscription  ?  Of  the  cry  of  Jesus  ?  (Mark  15  :  34). 
Arrange  the  sayings  of  Jesus  on  the  cross  by  themselves 
and  study  their  content.  Who  stood  by  Jesus  at  the  cross  ? 
How  did  He  show  His  deep  concern  for  others  ?  What 
happened  at  the  hour  of  death  ?  What  was  the  real  pas- 
sion of  Jesus  ? 

Sixth  Day.     The  Burial  and  Guard. 

1.  The  burial  (Matt.  27:  57;  Mark  15:  42;  Luke 
23  :  50 i  John  19  :  38).  Who  assisted  m  the  sacred  rite? 
Was  John  there  ?  What  had  won  these  men  to  such  open 
allegiance  ?  What  do  you  think  of  the  faithfulness  of  the 
women  ?     Where  did  they  lay  Him  ? 

2.  The  guard  at  the  sepulchre  (Matt.  27  :  62-66). 
Why  was  it  placed  ? 

Seventh  Day.    Review. 

Go  carefully  over  the  week's  work,  letting  your  mind 
dwell  upon  the  real  meaning  of  this  great  event.  Let  it 
have  a  personal  application.  Was  it  for  me  ?  In  what 
way  does  this  tragic  passion  affect  my  life  ?  The  life  of 
the  world  ?    Now  study  Chart  and  review  passion  week. 


136 


PART  VI 

The  Resurrection  and  the  Coronation  of 
the  King 


STUDY  XXIV 


THE  RESURRECTION:  THE  EVIDENCE 
CONSIDERED 

First  Day.  Resurrection  Morning.  {Matt.  28 :  i-io  ; 
Mark  16  :  j-ii ;  Luke  2j  :  56-24  :  12  ;  John 
20  :  J-18.) 

1.  On  the  way  to  the  tomb.     Picture  the  scene — the 
feeling  of  the  women. 

2.  The  discovery.     The  message  of  the  angel. 

3.  Telling  Peter  and  John.     What  do  they  find  ?    Are 
they  easily  persuaded  ? 

4.  The  appearance  to  Mary  (John  20:  11-18).     Why 
could  she  not  touch  her  Lord  ?     What  must  she  do  ? 

5.  The  report  of  the  watch  (Matt.  28:  11-15).     This 
is  indisputable  evidence  of  an  empty  tomb. 

Second  Day.    The  Walkto  Emmaiis.    {Luke  24  :  13-35.') 
1.     Late  in   the  afternoon.     What   did    they  think  of 
Christ's  death?     What  did  they  hope ?     What  effect  had 
the  testimony  of  the  women  ? 

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Study  XXIV         The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

a.     How  does  Jesus  try  to  convince  them  ?  (vs.  25-27.) 
3.     What  would  have  happened  had  they  not  invited 

Him  to  abide  with  them  ?    What  did  happen  ?    How  was 

Christ  made  known  to  them  ? 

Third  Day.     The  Appearance  to  the  Disciples. 

1.  On  the  night  of  the  resurrection — Thomas  absent 
(Luke  24  :  36-43;  John  20  :  19-25).  How  did  He  seek 
to  convince  them  ?  What  did  He  do  to  them  ?  Why  would 
not  Thomas  believe  ? 

2.  One  week  later — Thomas  present  (John  20  :  26-29). 
How  did  Jesus  convince  Thomas  ?  What  does  Jesus  con- 
sider the  real  evidence  of  the  resurrection  ?  See  also  Luke 
24:  25-27. 

3.  Two  great  facts  are  now  before  us.  First — the  tomb 
was  empty.  Nobody  disputes  that.  Second — Jesus  does 
not  depend  upon  material  evidence  alone  for  faith  in  His 
resurrection,  but  upon  its  inherent  probability  as  foretold 
in  Scripture  and  also  upon  His  coming  in  power  to 
establish  His  Kingdom,  as  foretold  by  Himself  (Matt. 
24 :  30). 

Fourth  Day.     The  Evidence  Considered. 

1.  The  empty  tomb.  Starting  with  this  fact,  which  no 
critic  disputes,  what  follows  ?  Either  the  body  was  stolen 
or  the  Almighty  took  it. 

2.  The  body  stolen — what  follows  ?  The  Jews  would 
not  steal  it — hence  the  Apostles  must  be  charged  with  a 
falsehood ;  must  have  preached  and  died  for  a  falsehood, 
and  the  great  Church  of  God  lives  and  thrives  on  a  false- 
hood.    This  is  irrational. 

3.  The  body  raised.  If  God  took  Him  then  Jesus  was 
morally  bound  to  make  such  manifestation  of  the  fact  as 

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The  Resurrection  Study  XXIV 

would  remove  His  disciples  from  any  false  charge  and  also 
make  them  efficient  witnesses  of  the  great  truth  with  which 
He  had  charged  them.  Did  He  do  either  or  both  ?  He 
did  both,  and  each  is  necessary  to  the  rational  explanation 
of  the  other.  The  day  of  Pentecost — the  early  Church — 
the  Church  of  to-day — demands  adequate  cause.  This  is 
found  only  in  the  Risen  Christ.  How  could  His 
disciples  have  ever  reached,  at  one  single  bound,  this 
great  truth  in  any  other  way  than  by  a  bodily  mani- 
festation of  their  Lord  followed  by  His  coming  in  spiritual 
power. 

4.  This,  then,  is  the  real  study  before  us.  Are  the 
Gospel  evidences  of  the  resurrection  trustworthy  and  suf- 
ficient to  convince  the  questioning  mind  of  the  disciples  and 
make  them  efficient  witnesses  to  go  out  at  once  and  wit- 
ness to  this  great  fact  with  power  ;  or  will  any  other  ex- 
planation answer  the  same  requirements  ?  The  experience 
and  testimony  of  St.  Paul  are  perfectly  admissible  in 
answering  this  question  either  way.  But  if  we  admit  any 
part  of  it  we  must  admit  all.  Read  Acts  9  :  3-8 ;  22:6-11; 
26 :  12-18 ;  I  Cor.  9:1;  15  :  1-56.  See  also  articles  on 
"Personality"  and  "Resurrection"  in  Xht  Dictionary  of 
Christ  and  the  Gospels. 

Fifth  Day.     Other  Explanations  of  the  Resurrection. 

For  the  best  summary  of  these  see  Keim  as  quoted  in 
Dictionary  of  Christ  and  the  Gospels,  Vol.  II,  p.  §10, 
also  Edersheim,  Vol.  II,  p.  628. 

1.  The  first  theory  put  forth  was  that  Christ  only 
fainted.  This  has  been  abandoned  by  all  thinkers.  It 
had  this  value.  It  admits  that  the  disciples  really  did  see 
their  Lord  alive  again  as  an  objective  fact.  This  may  be 
why  it  was  abandoned. 

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Study  XXIV         The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

2.  Second  theory  advanced  was  the  body  was  secretly 
removed  by  friend  or  foe.  This  has  been  abandoned.  It 
had  this  value.  It  bore  unwilling  testimony  to  an 
empty  grave.  Perhaps  this  is  why  it  was  abandoned. 
"  All  these  assumptions  are  repellent  and  disgraceful." — 
Keini. 

3.  Third  theory  advanced  was  the  "Vision  hypo- 
thesis." 

(i)  Upon  reflection  upon  the  need  of  Christ's 
resurrection  as  set  forth  in  Scripture  the  dis- 
ciples passed  from  the  principle  "He  must 
live,"  to  the  assertion  "He  does  live,"  and 
to  the  further  assertion,  "  We  have  seen  Him." 
"Thus  they  took  a  leap  from  a  conclusion 
of  the  intellect  to  a  fact  in  history."  The 
laws  of  the  human  mind  require  a  long  term 
of  years  for  such  a  theory,  whereas  the 
conviction  with  the  disciples  was  immediate 
and  final. 

(2)  Compelled  to  give  this  up  it  was  claimed  that 
by  the  desire  of  the  heart,  the  force  of  quick 
imagination  and  nervous  excitement,  the  dis- 
ciples attained  at  once  belief  in  a  living  and 
risen  Christ.  After  weighing  all  the  evidence 
Keim  says,  "  All  these  considerations  compel 
us  to  admit  that  the  theory  is  only  an  hypoth- 
esis which,  while  it  explains  something, 
leaves  the  main  fact  unexplained,  and  sub- 
ordinates what  is  historically  attested  to  weak 
and  untenable  views." 

4.  Keim's  theory :  Having  proved  conclusively  that 
none  of  the  above  are  possible,  Keim  then  advances  his 
own  theory  which  is  that  "the  mysterious  exit"  of  the 

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The  Resurrection  Study  XXIV 

life  of  Jesus  baffles  explanation  and  that  belief  in  His 
resurrection  is  the  result  of  an  objective  vision  given  by 
God  and  the  glorified  Christ.  **  Nay,  even  the  bodily  ap- 
pearance itself  may  be  conceded  to  those  who  without  it 
fear  to  lose  all  "  (p.  603). 

Edersheim  says,  "  From  this  there  is  but  a  very  small 
step  to  the  teaching  of  the  Church.  At  any  rate,  the 
greatest  of  negative  critics  has  by  his  inability  to  explain 
the  Resurrection  in  a  natural  manner,  given  the  fullest 
confirmation  to  the  fundamental  article  of  our  Christian 
faith." 

All  these  theories  rest  upon  a  philosophic  presupposition 
that  nothing  in  the  form  of  a  miracle  can  possibly  happen. 
Do  they  satisfy  the  requirements  ? 

Sixth  Day.     The  Christian  View  of  the  Resurrection. 

Upon  the  third  day  after  His  death  upon  the  cross  and 
burial,  very  early  in  the  morning,  Jesus  was  raised,  by  the 
power  of  God,  from  the  dead.  He  appeared  to  His  dis- 
ciples and  others  and  by  a  bodily  manifestation  convinced 
them  of  His  resurrection,  then  ascended  to  His  Father 
from  whence  He  came  in  spiritual  power  at  Pentecost  to 
take  up  His  abode  in  His  followers  and  through  them 
realize  His  Kingdom  upon  earth,  as  it  is  in  Heaven.  All 
this  happened  within  the  short  space  of  fifty  days.  From 
this  conviction  sprang  the  great  historic  Church,  and 
through  this  there  passed  into  the  life  of  the  world  a 
mighty  regenerating  power.  Does  this  view  best  meet  all 
the  requirements  ? 

In  weighing  the  evidence,  several  things  should  be  con- 
sidered. 

(i)     The  many  differences  in  the  testimony  only 
accentuate   their   genuineness.     Exact  agree- 
141 


Study  XXIV        The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

ment  would  be  proof  of  collusion.  Accord- 
ing to  the  Duke  of  Wellington,  the  battle  of 
Waterloo  began  at  ten  o'clock,  according  to 
General  Alva  who  rode  beside  him  it  began 
at  half-past  eleven.  Napoleon  and  Drouet 
say  twelve  o'clock  while  Marshall  Ney  puts  it 
at  one  o'clock.  Does  this  question  the  fact 
that  the  battle  took  place  ?  How  about  the 
resurrection  of  our  Lord  ? 

(2)  The  bodily  form.  It  seemed  at  times  to  be 
material  and  again  immaterial.  It  certainly 
was  not  the  old  human  body  of  Jesus.  Paul's 
explanation  of  a  psychic  and  spiritual  body 
together  with  his  statement  that  flesh  and 
blood  shall  not  inherit  the  Kingdom  of  God 
satisfies  all  requirements. 

(3)  We  must  remember  that  while  Paul  speaks  of 
having  seen  a  vision  of  Jesus  he  very  sharply 
discriminates  his  seeing  of  Jesus  from  that  of 
the  other  disciples,  theirs  being  more  material 
in  appearance.     Read  again  i  Cor.  15  :  1-56. 

Seventh  Day.    Summary. 

Read  the  Scripture  references  in  First  and  Second  Days. 
Go  over  the  argument  for  the  resurrection  until  it  is  well 
in  hand.  Let  your  mind  dwell  thoughtfully  upon  the 
place  of  the  risen  Christ  both  in  the  individual  experience 
and  in  history. 

"The  resurrection  of  Jesus  is  the  best  attested  fact  in 
history." — Lyman  Abbott. 

"If  Strauss  admits  that  the  Church  would  never  have 
arisen  if  the  Apostles  had  not  unshaken  faith  in  the  reality 
of  Christ's  Resurrection,  we  may  add  that  this  faith  of  the 

142 


The  Resurrection  Study  XXIV 

Apostles  would  never  have  arisen  unless  the  Resurrection 
had  been  a  true  historical  fact." — Godet. 

"  If  we  have  only  hoped  in  Christ  in  this  life,  we  are  of 
all  men  most  pitiable." — Saint  Paul. 

Blessed  be  the  God  and  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  who  according  to  His  great  mercy  begat  us  again 
unto  a  living  hope  by  the  resurrection  of  Jesus  Christ  from 
the  dead,  unto  an  inheritance  incorruptible,  and  undefiled, 
and  that  fadeth  not  away,  reserved  in  heaven  for  you,  who 
by  the  power  of  God  are  guarded  through  faith  unto  a  sal- 
vation ready  to  be  revealed  in  the  last  time.  Wherein  ye 
greatly  rejoice,  though  now  for  a  little  while,  if  need  be,  ye 
have  been  put  to  grief  in  manifold  trials,  that  the  proof  of 
your  faith,  being  more  precious  than  gold  that  perisheth 
though  it  is  proved  by  fire,  may  be  found  unto  praise  and 
glory  and  honour  at  the  revelation  of  Jesus  Christ :  whom 
not  having  seen  ye  love ;  on  whom,  though  now  ye  see  Him 
not,  yet  believing,  ye  rejoice  greatly  with  joy  unspeakable 
and  full  of  glory  :  receiving  the  end  of  your  faith,  even  the 
salvation  of  your  souls. — Saint  Peter. 


143 


STUDY  XXV 

THE    FORTY   DAYS— THE    ETERNAL   CORONA- 
TION AND  THE  COMING  OF  THE  KINGDOM 

First  Day.  From  Jerusalem  to  Galilee.  (Jdatt.  28 :  10; 
Mark  16  :  7.) 
With  the  aid  of  the  Chart  and  Scriptures  make  your 
own  list  of  the  appearances  in  and  about  Jerusalem. 
Weigh  their  value.  The  scene  now  shifts  to  Galilee  far 
from  the  centre  of  excitement.     Why  does  it  so  shift  ? 

Second  Day.  By  the  Sea  of  Galilee.  {John  21  : 
1-24.) 
Why  did  they  go  fishing  ?  Who  was  the  first  to  discern 
Christ  ?  How  does  this  event  suggest  the  presence  of  the 
risen  Christ  with  men  and  women  while  at  difficult  and  dis- 
couraging work  ?  Do  you  so  know  His  presence  ?  What 
is  the  full  significance  of  His  talk  with  Peter  ?  Does  this 
event  bear  the  marks  of  a  mere  objective  vision  or  a  real 
presence  ? 

Third  Day.  On  the  Mount  in  Galilee.  {Matt.  28  : 
16-20  ;  I  Cor.  13  :  1-8.) 
What  is  the  order  of  the  appearances  in  Paul's  account  ? 
Why  especially  to  Peter  and  James?  James  was  the 
brother  of  our  Lord  and  when  Paul  wrote,  the  head  of  the 
Christian  Church  in  Jerusalem,  but  who  had  never  believed 
in  Jesus  as  the  Messiah  until  after  His  death  and  resurrec- 
tion.    Why  to  five  hundred  at  once,  most  of  whom  were 

144 


The  Eternal  Coronation  Study  XXV 

living  when  Paul  wrote  ?  What  is  the  value  of  such 
evidence  ?  Were  the  eleven  fully  convinced  at  this  time  ? 
The  real  evidence  and  value  of  the  Cross  and  Resurrection 
is  not  alone  their  historical  value  nor  even  their  inner 
realization,  but  their  power  to  propagate  themselves 
through  missionary  efforts  (Matt.  28  :  18-20).  "Go  ye 
therefore." 

Fourth     Day.      Before    the    Ascejision.      (Luke    24 : 
j6-4p  ;  Acts  I  :  1-8.) 
Jesus  spends  His  last  hours  with  His  disciples  trying  to 
teach  them  three  things. 

1.  His  death  and  resurrection  is  an  historical  reality. 

2.  Its  necessity  and  meaning  are  revealed  throughout 
the  Scripture.  The  best  set  of  references  on  this  point  is 
found  in  the  American  revised  Bible  on  Luke  24:  25-27, 

44,  45- 

3.  They  will  understand  it  only  when  He  has  come  in 
power  to  establish  His  Kingdom  (Luke  24 :  47-49  ;  Acts 
1 :  3-8).  What  must  they  do  in  the  interval  ?  What  will 
happen  at  His  coming  ?  After  His  coming  ?  What  is  the 
scope  of  the  missionary  enterprise  ? 

Fifth  Day,  The  Ascensioji.  (Luke  24  :  jo,  ji  ;  Acts 
I :  g-ii.-) 
Follow  the  little  band  out  into  the  brow  of  Olivet  over 
against  Bethany.  Stand  with  bowed  head  and  receive  the 
blessing.  Then  look  up  wonderingly  and  behold  Him  as 
a  cloud  receives  Him  from  your  sight.  Looking  stead- 
fastly up,  what  did  they  see  and  hear?  (Acts  i  :  10,  11). 
Is  this  not  equivalent  to  saying  :  "  Your  King  has  gone 
to  His  eternal  coronation  and  will  come  again  to  receive 
His  Kingdom?  " 


Study  XXV       The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

Sixth  Day.     After  the  Ascension.     {^Licke  24  :  52,  jj.) 

Forty  days  had  passed  since  the  cruel  death  of  their 
Messiah  in  whom  they  had  placed  all  their  hopes  and  for 
whom  they  had  left  all.  Plenty  of  time  to  fully  realize  the 
awful  catastrophe  if  such  it  be.  History  and  experience 
tell  us  that,  if  these  men  had  not  had  some  overwhelming 
evidence  of  their  risen  Master  they  would  have  done  just 
what  men  have  always  done.  Arthur  Clough  has  given 
this  fact  the  best  expression. 

«•  Ye  men  of  Galilee  ! 
Why  stand  ye  looking  up  to  heaven  ? 

Ye  ignorant  and  idle  fishermen ! 
Hence  to  your  huts,  and  boats,  and  inland  native  shore, 

And  catch  not  men,  but  fish  ; 

Whate'er  things  ye  may  wish. 
Him  neither  here  nor  there  ye  e'er  shall  meet  with  more. 

Ye  poor  deluded  youths,  go  home  ; 

Mend  the  old  nets  ye  left  to  roam ; 

Tie  the  split  oar,  patch  the  torn  sail ; 

It  was  an  idle  tale  — 

He  was  not  risen  !  " 

This  is  what  we  would  have  expected.     Is  it  what  hap- 
pened ?     How  account  for  it  ? 

Seventh  Day.  Pentecost  and  the  Coming  of  the  King 
and  His  Kingdom.  {Acts  2.) 
Glance  over  the  reading  matter  in  Fourth  Day,  also 
Study  XXIV,  Third  Day.  Now  read  Acts  2,  and  note  the 
following :  How  does  Peter  explain  their  presence  ?  On 
what  does  he  rest  belief  in  the  Resurrection  ?  What  fol- 
lowed ?  How  else  can  you  explain  it?  " The  history  of 
the  Church  is  the  march  of  the  glorified  Lord  Jesus  across 
continents  and  centuries,  towards  the  final  domination  of 
the  whole  world." — Godet. 

146 


STUDY  XXVI 

REVIEW,  SUMMARY  AND  CONCLUSION 

First  Day.     A  Forecast.     {Phil,  j  .-  8-12.) 

Read  the  passage  thoughtfully.  What  do  I  know  of  the 
King  and  His  Kingdom  ?  What  of  the  future  ?  Am  I 
willing  to  count  everything  but  loss  and  press  on  towards 
a  fuller  knowledge  and  a  richer  life  ?  The  richest  is  yet 
before  you.  During  the  weeks  immediately  before  you  and 
with  Study  I  and  the  Chart  as  a  guide,  read  each  Gospel 
as  a  whole,  read  them  as  you  would  a  book. 

•*  It  is  when 
We  gloriously  forget  ourselves,  and  plunge 
Soul-forward,  headlong,  into  a  book's  profound, 
Impassioned  for  its  beauty,  and  salt  of  truth  — 
'Tis  then  we  get  the  right  good  from  a  book." 

— Mrs.  Browning, 

Second  Day.     Studies  I-XIII. 

With  Study  XIV  as  a  guide,  master  the  main  points  as 
indicated.  During  all  your  review  keep  the  Chart  con- 
stantly before  you  and  strive  to  grasp  the  meaning  of  the 
life  as  a  whole. 

Third  Day.    Studies  XV-XVIIL 

I.  Study  XV.  Why  did  Jesus  retire  into  northern 
Galilee?  Follow  the  journey  on  the  map.  What  is  the 
significance  of  Peter's  confession?  What  deep  mystery 
did  Jesus  now  clearly  reveal  ?  Describe  the  Transfigura- 
tion.    Its  full  meaning  ? 

147 


Study  XXVI         The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

2.  Studies  XVI-XVIII.  Explain  the  meaning  of  Luke 
9:51,  Why  did  Jesus  go  twice  to  Jerusalem  ?  What  was 
the  general  content  of  His  teaching  there  ?  The  main 
cause  for  His  rejection  ?  What  did  He  do  in  the  mean- 
time? Explain  Luke  10:  17-24  and  13:  22-35.  What 
do  the  parables  in  Study  XVIII  teach  regarding  the  King- 
dom ?  Study  Chart  and  note  the  effect  of  this  period  on 
the  life  as  a  whole. 

Fourth  Day.    Studies  XIX-XX. 

1.  Study  XIX.  What  is  the  Kingdom,  when  will  it 
come  and  how  shall  we  prepare  for  its  coming  ?  What  is 
the  relation  of  the  family  and  wealth  to  the  Kingdom  ? 
What  great  self-revelation  did  Jesus  make  at  the  raising  of 
Lazarus?  Describe  the  whole  incident  and  its  effect  on 
the  rulers  at  Jerusalem. 

2.  Study  XX,  Describe  the  last  journey  to  Jerusalem. 
What  is  the  significance  of  Christ's  death  thus  far  revealed  ? 

Fifth  Day.     Studies  XXI-XXIII. 

1.  Study  XXI.  What  great  claim  did  Jesus  make  as 
He  entered  Jerusalem?  Trace  the  general  development 
of  the  controversy  on  Tuesday.     What  was  its  outcome  ? 

2.  Study  XXII.  Describe  the  events  in  the  upper 
room  and  the  institution  of  the  Lord's  Supper.  What 
fuller  meaning  does  Jesus  now  give  to  His  death  ?  De- 
velop the  thought  of  John  14-17.  What  bearing  does  all 
this  have  upon  the  nature  and  place  of  the  King  and  His 
Kingdom  ? 

3.  Study  XXIII.  What  great  fact  underlies  the  agony 
in  Gethsemane?  Describe  the  arrest,  trial  and  crucifixion. 
State  the  charges,  the  illegalities,  the  motive  of  Pilate,  the 
attitude  of  Jesus  and  the  seven  sayings  upon  the  Cross. 

148 


Summary  and  Conclusion  Study  XXVI 

Sixth  Day.     Studies  XXIV-XXV. 

1.  Study  XXIV.  On  what  three  grounds  does  Jesus 
rest  belief  in  His  resurrection  ? 

(i)  His  bodily  appearance.  Arrange  the  evidence 
and  test  its  trustworthiness  and  efficiency. 
What  other  explanations?     Their  value  ? 

(2)  Its  necessity  as  foretold  in  Scripture.  What 
is  its  value  ? 

(3)  His  coming  again  in  power  to  establish  His 
Kingdom.  What  constitutes  this  coming  ? 
How  does  it  demand  a  cause  sufficient  to 
justify  the  gospel  story  of  the  resurrection  ? 
What  is  the  value  of  St.  Paul's  testimony? 
Has  He  so  revealed  Himself  to  you?  Do 
you  know  Him — the  King  and  His  Kingdom  ? 

2.  Study  XXV.  What  is  the  value  of  St.  Paul's  tes- 
timony ?  What  is  the  real  evidence  for  and  value  of  the 
Cross  and  Resurrection  ?  What  is  the  meaning  of  the 
Ascension  ?  What  logical  relation  has  it  to  the  life  and 
ministry  of  Jesus  ?  What  might  we  have  expected  the  dis- 
ciples to  do  ?  What  did  they  do  ?  What  was  the  result  ? 
How  do  you  account  for  it  all  ?  What  relation  has  Pente- 
cost to  the  King  and  His  Kingdom  ? 

Seventh  Day.     Summary  and  Conclusion. 

Make  your  own  outline  of  the  life  of  Christ,  fitting  into 
each  period  at  least  three  important  events.  Then  com- 
pare it  with  Chart  and  Table  of  Contents  ;  correct  and 
complete. 

In  order  that  you  may  have  a  consistent  and  construc- 
tive idea  of  the  great  purpose  and  method  of  Jesus,  read 
rapidly  but  continuously  the  reading  matter  in  the  follow- 
ing :    Study  V,  First  Day ;  Study  VI,  First  and  Seventh 

149 


Study  XXVI         The  King  and  His  Kingdom 

Days;  Study  VII,  First,  Fourth  and  Seventh  Days; 
Study  VIII,  First  and  Fifth  Days ;  Study  IX ;  Study  X, 
First  Day;  Study  XII,  First,  Sixth  and  Seventh  Days; 
Study  XIII,  Seventh  Day;  Study  XIV,  Seventh  Day; 
Study  XV,  Fourth  and  Seventh  Days.  With  this  now 
clearly  defined  take  the  Chart  and  trace  the  events  that 
lead  up  to  a  complete  fulfillment.  In  conclusion  reread 
the  paragraph  on  "The  Kingdom  "  in  the  "Foreword." 

"  Surely  He  cometh,  and  a  thousand  voices 

Call  to  the  saints  and  to  the  deaf  are  dumb ; 
Surely  He  cometh,  and  the  earth  rejoices, 

Glad  in  His  coming  who  hath  sworn,  I  come. 

"This  hath  He  done  and  shall  we  not  adore  Him? 
This  shall  He  do  and  can  we  still  despair  ? 
Come  let  us  quickly  fling  ourselves  before  Him, 
Cast  at  His  feet  the  burden  of  our  care. 

"  Flash  from  our  eyes  the  glow  of  our  thanksgiving, 
Glad  and  regretful,  confident  and  calm. 
Then  thro'  all  life  and  what  is  after  living 
Thrill  to  the  tireless  music  of  a  psalm. 

"  Yea  thro'  life,  death,  thro'  sorrow  and  thro'  sinning 
He  shall  suffice  me,  for  He  hath  sufficed : 
Christ  is  the  end,  for  Christ  was  the  beginning, 
Christ  the  beginning,  for  the  end  is  Christ." 

^F.  W.H.Myers. 


150 


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"This  little  volume  of  largely  personal  testimony  to  the 
fact  that  prayer  is  divinely  answered  should  therefore  have 
great  weight." — Congregationalist. 

Answers  to  Prayer.  From  the  Experiences  of  George 
Mullen    Cloth, net  .50. 

ADDRESSES  ON  PRAYER 

Prevailing  Prayer— What  Hinders  It.  "ji^t  thousand. 
By  D.  L.  Moody,  paper,  .15;       -       -       cloth,  net  .30. 

Twelve  Sermons  on  Prayer.  By  C.  H.  Spurgeon, 
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By  Rev.  Andrew  Murray,  D.  D. 


The  Inner  Chamber  and  the  Inner  Life»  12mo, 
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The  School  of  Prayer.  2  vols.,  12mo,  Cloth,  each  .75 ; 
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The  With  Christ  Series.    6  vols.,  16mo,  Cloth,  each,   .35 ; 

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With  Christ.      Holy  in  Christ.      Abide  in  Ctirist 
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Thy  Will  be  Done.  The  Blessedness  of  a  Life  in  the 
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The  Holiest  of  All.    An  Exposition  of  the  Epistle  to  the 

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Pray  Without  Ceasing.  Helps  to  Intercession.  With  Rub 

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Helpful  Works  on  Prayer 


HOW  TO  PRAY 

Inter-Communion  with  God. ,  By  M.  P.  Tailing,  Ph-D. 
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intercourse  and  co-operation  between  God  and  man. 
Cloth, net  1.00. 

Extempore  Prayer.  Its  Principles,  Preparation  and  Prac- 
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"  In  each  of  these  chapters  there  is  much  to  instruct.  The 
whole  treatment  is  sane,  reverent  and  comprehensive.  It 
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before  us  the  pathway  to  excellence  in  public  prayer.  We 
bid  it  welcome.  It  has  a  distinct  mission  to  oui' churches. 
—Christian  Observer. 

How  to  Pray.     By  R.  A.  Torrey,  D.  D.     Cloth,  .50; 

Paper, 15. 

"Written  wisely,  systematically,  in  clear,  straightforward 

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With  Christ  in  the  School  of  Prayer:  Thoughts  on  Our 
Training  for  the  Ministry  of  Intercession.  By  Andrew 
Murray,  D.D.      Cloth,  .75;  Cheap  edition,  cloth,  .35. 

Pray  Without  Ceasing.  Helps  to  Intercession.  By 
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STIMULUS  TO  PRAYER 

The  Practice  of  Prayer.  By  G.  Campbell  Morgan.  D.D. 
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The  Forgotten  Secret.  By  G.  Campbell  Morgan,  D.  D. 
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The  Ministry  of  Intercession.  A  Plea  for  more  Prayer. 
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Prayer:  Its  Nature  and  Scope.  By  C.  H.Trumbull, D.D. 
tloth,  - 60. 

"  Light,  inspiration,  and  encouragement  to  pray." 

—  T/ie  InOe/enaeni. 

Individual  Prayer  as  a  Working  Force.  By  David 
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Fraying  in  the  Holy  Ghost.  By  G.  H.  C.  MacGregor, 
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A  Mighty  Means  of  Usefulness.  Studies  in  the  Power 
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BIBLE  STUDY  BY  TEXT  BOOKS 


Seirs  New  Method 

Manuals  for  use  by  Bible  and  Normal  Classes, 
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various  summaries  of  Scripture  history  to  be  used  as 
SUPPLEMENTAL  LESSONS.  It  is  in  these  latter 
directions  that  in  the  near  future  there  is  to  be  a  new 
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The  Guild  Text  Books 

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16mo,  flexible  cloth,  each net  .40 

Landmarks  of  Church  History.  By  Prof.  Henry 
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The  New  Testament  and  its  Writers.  By  Rev.  J. 
A.  McClymont,  D.D. 

Our  Lord's  Teaching.  By  Rev.  James  Robertson, 
D.D. 

A  Handbook  of  Christian  Evidences.  By  Rev. 
Alexander  Stewart,  D.D.    2jd  Thousand. 

Religions  of  the  World.  By  Principal  G.  M.  Grant, 
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The  Old  Testament  and  Its  Contents.  By  Profes- 
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Date  Due  . 

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